Red Alert on the East Coast: How Cyclone Montha Is Impacting Andhra Pradesh’s Coastal Belt

What is Cyclone Montha and what’s happening

A powerful weather system named Cyclone Montha has formed over the Bay of Bengal and is now heading toward India’s east coast. The national weather department has classified it as a “severe cyclonic storm”.
It’s expected to make landfall between the coastal towns of Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near the port city of Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh.
Already, heavy rainfall, strong winds and rough sea conditions have been reported along the coast, and warnings are in place for storm surges and flooding in low-lying areas. The storm is moving steadily inland after making contact with the coast late evening, and its path may impact several other states beyond the immediate shoreline.

The impact so far & what’s being affected

• Large areas of agricultural land in Andhra Pradesh have been severely affected: thousands of hectares of standing crops and horticultural farms are reported damaged.
• Tragically, at least one person has lost their life when a tree collapsed amid strong winds in a coastal district.
• Transportation and infrastructure are disrupted: power lines knocked down, flights and train services cancelled or delayed, and local roads flooded or blocked by fallen trees and debris.
• The storm’s effect isn’t just limited to the coast — heavy rainfall is already moving into inland zones, meaning states further from the sea will still feel the impact through flooding, landslides (in hilly terrain) and utility disruptions.
• In coastal towns, people are already being shifted from danger zones to relief camps; shelters are operating and emergency services are on high alert.

Key facts & figures

• Wind speeds: The storm is bringing sustained winds of around 90-110 km/h, with gusts possibly higher.
• Rainfall: Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in many coastal and nearby interior districts. Some locations may receive 20 cm or more in a short span.
• Red alerts: The highest level of weather warning (red alert) has been issued for many coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring Odisha.
• Evacuations: Tens of thousands of people have been moved out of vulnerable seaside and low-lying zones.
• Path & timing: The storm has made landfall and is now moving inland north-northwestwards. While it will weaken as it penetrates further inland, its effects — rainfall, strong winds, flooding — will last for 1-2 days or possibly more in some areas.

Areas under red alert & future outlook

• Districts along the Andhra Pradesh coast—especially between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam near Kakinada—are under the most serious alert. Coastal parts of Odisha are also included.
• Though the storm will begin to weaken once inland, the danger is not over: heavy rain, flooding, possible landslides if you are in hilly terrain, and strong winds will continue to pose risks for some time.
• Authorities are urging residents not to underestimate the event. Relief teams, shelters, power restoration crews and emergency services are fully mobilised and ready to act.

What you should do & safety tips

If you live in or near a coastal or low-lying area in any of the affected states, here’s what you need to keep in mind:

1. Stay tuned to official weather updates and local authority instructions.
2. If you’re in a red-alert zone, or near the coast/river/sea or in flood-prone land — move to higher ground or a designated shelter immediately.
3. Secure your home: fasten or remove loose items outdoors (pots, furniture), shut windows/shutters, unplug appliances if likely to lose power.
4. Don’t go near the sea, beaches, rivers or low-lying grounds during the storm — waves and storm surges are very dangerous.
5. Avoid travelling unless absolutely necessary: transport services may be suspended or roads blocked.
6. Keep emergency supplies ready: torch/flashlight, battery power, drinking water, first-aid kit, important documents in a waterproof pouch.
7. If you are inland but under rainfall forecast: be alert for flooding, landslides, and ensure drainage around your vicinity is clear and water cannot pool dangerously.
8. Follow instructions from local authorities — evacuation orders or shelter locations may change as the situation develops.

Conclusion

Cyclone Montha is a significant weather event for India’s east coast and nearby areas. With red alerts in place, heavy rains, strong winds and storm surges expected, coastal and low-lying communities must act with high alertness and readiness. Even if you are not directly on the coast, the ripple effects—rain, flooding, wind damage—can affect you too. If you are in an area under alert — don’t wait, make your preparations now, stay safe, and follow the guidance of local officials.