Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar has issued a series of high-level warnings as Cyclonic Storm ‘Montha’ over the Bay of Bengal is forecast to intensify into a Severe Cyclonic Storm, bringing heavy to extremely heavy rainfall and high-velocity winds to the coastal and southern districts of Odisha over the next three days.
According to the midday bulletin issued on Monday, the cyclone, currently centered over the Southwest Bay of Bengal, is moving north-northwestwards at a speed of 18 kmph. It is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, around Kakinada, during the evening or night of Tuesday, October 28. At landfall, it is predicted to be a Severe Cyclonic Storm with maximum sustained wind speeds of 90-100 kmph, gusting to 110 kmph.
While the core of the cyclone is aimed at Andhra Pradesh, its periphery will significantly impact Odisha.
The IMD has escalated warnings from ‘Yellow’ (Be Aware) to ‘Orange’ (Be Prepared) and ‘Red’ (Take Action) across various districts, indicating the severity of the impending weather.
Heavy Rainfall: A ‘Red’ warning for “Very Heavy Rainfall with Extremely Heavy Falls” (exceeding 20 cm) has been issued for Tuesday and Wednesday for the districts of Gajapati, Ganjam, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, and Nabarangpur. Widespread light to moderate rainfall and thunderstorms are expected across most of the state.
Districts in the southern and western parts of Odisha, including Gajapati, Rayagada, and Koraput, are likely to experience damaging surface winds reaching 60-70 kmph, gusting to 80 kmph, which could cause structural damage and uproot trees.
The sea condition along and off the Odisha coast is predicted to be “High” to “Very High.” Fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the sea until October 29. Those already at sea have been directed to return to the coast immediately.
The IMD has outlined significant potential impacts, including damage to kutcha houses, plantations, and standing crops, breaking of tree branches, disruption of power and communication lines, waterlogging in low-lying areas, and localized flooding. Traffic disruptions in urban areas and increased travel time are also anticipated.
The Met office has advised residents in the affected districts to: Stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel; Secure loose objects and avoid vulnerable structures; Keep a watch on weather updates and be prepared to move to safer places if necessary; and Avoid water bodies and stay away from objects that conduct electricity.
The weather office has forecast a gradual reduction in rainfall activity from Thursday, October 30, with conditions expected to return to near normal by the weekend.
The public is encouraged to use official IMD channels, including the ‘Mausam,’ ‘Meghdoot,’ and ‘Damini’ mobile apps, for location-specific forecasts and timely warnings.
