IMD Issues Red and Orange Alerts Across Eastern and Southern India

The IMD has issued red and orange alerts for multiple states, warning of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds. Affected regions include Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and parts of West Bengal. Authorities are on high alert, with disaster management teams mobilized to mitigate risks.

Odisha on High Alert

In Odisha, eight districts—Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Kandhamal, and Kalahandi—are under a red warning for extremely heavy rainfall and winds up to 80 kmph. The Puri district administration has restricted tourist access to seashores from October 27 to 29, and schools and Anganwadi centers across the state will remain closed until October 30, 2025.

West Bengal Prepares for Rainfall

In West Bengal, heavy rainfall is expected from October 28 to 31 in districts like Kolkata, South 24 Parganas, Purba and Paschim Medinipur, and others. Northern districts, including Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri, are forecast to see significant rainfall between October 30 and 31. Fishermen have been advised to avoid sea ventures from October 28 to 30.

Southern States Brace for Impact

Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are under an orange alert for October 27 and 28, with Chennai expecting heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. In Kerala, rain bands from Cyclone Montha are already causing strong winds and intermittent rainfall. Coastal Karnataka and Rayalaseema are also set to experience heavy rain from October 26 to 28. The Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre has issued alerts for light rain and thunderstorms in Bengaluru and surrounding areas.

Disaster Preparedness and Cancellations

In response to the looming threat, the governments of nine districts in Odisha have canceled leaves for all government employees to ensure full readiness. Trains and schools in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha have also been canceled as a precautionary measure. The IMD has urged residents to stay indoors and follow safety protocols as the storm approaches.

Delhi-NCR Weather Update

While Cyclone Montha impacts southern and eastern India, Delhi-NCR is experiencing a cold and hazy morning with poor visibility due to fog and high pollution levels. No rainfall is expected, and pollutant dispersion remains limited. Noida and Gurgaon will see temperatures between 23.5°C to 32°C, with overcast skies and morning mist reducing visibility.

What is Cyclone Montha?

Named “Montha,” meaning “beautiful” or “fragrant flower” in Thai, the cyclone formed over the Bay of Bengal and is expected to cause significant disruption upon landfall. Disaster management teams across affected states are on high alert, preparing for heavy rainfall, strong winds, and potential flooding.