Schools closed in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh as Cyclone Montha intensifies

A deep depression brewing over the southeast Bay of Bengal has now intensified into Cyclone Montha, the first cyclone of the year expected to hit the Indian mainland. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the storm is rapidly intensifying. It is expected to develop into a severe cyclonic storm by Tuesday, before making landfall near Kakinada on the Andhra Pradesh coast.

In anticipation, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh have issued high alerts, ordering school closures, mobilising disaster response teams, and beginning



precautionary evacuations as heavy rain, strong winds, and rough sea conditions are set to lash the eastern coast from Odisha to Tamil Nadu.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the deep depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal is likely to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam near Kakinada on the evening of October 28.

Heavy rainfall, strong winds, and the possibility of storm surges are expected to impact several coastal and adjoining districts.