Cyclone Montha, a powerful storm with origins meaning ‘fragrant flower’ in Thai, is on a collision course with India’s eastern coast. The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert, anticipating a severe cyclonic storm before its expected landfall. The storm is projected to make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada, in Andhra Pradesh. High sea waves, predicted to range between 2 and 4.7 meters, are anticipated along the Andhra Pradesh coast from Nellore to Srikakulam. Authorities have initiated widespread evacuations in vulnerable regions, particularly in eight southern districts of Odisha, which is under a ‘red alert’. The cyclone’s current position is approximately 280 km south-southeast of Machilipatnam, moving northwest. Rescue teams, including NDRF and ODRAF, have been mobilized in large numbers, with the total force now standing at 140. The cyclone is expected to bring strong winds of 90-100 kmph, gusting up to 110 kmph, impacting numerous villages and towns. Coastal residents have been advised to move to safer locations and relief camps, while fishermen are strictly prohibited from venturing into the rough seas. All tourist activities on beaches have been suspended.
