Visakhapatnam:  Cyclone Montha, intensifying rapidly over the Bay of Bengal, is expected to make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast by Monday night, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds across several eastern states. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for coastal districts as the storm continues to strengthen into a severe cyclonic system.

According to the IMD, Cyclone Montha is moving north-northwestwards at a speed of about 15 kilometers per hour. It is projected to cross the coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, with Kakinada identified as the most likely landfall point. When it hits the shore, wind speeds could range between 90 and 100 kilometers per hour, with gusts reaching up to 110 kilometers per hour.

Authorities in Andhra Pradesh have launched large-scale evacuation efforts from low-lying areas, relocating thousands of residents to safer shelters. Red alerts have been declared in districts including Kakinada, Konaseema, West Godavari, Krishna, Bapatla, Prakasam, and Nellore. The state disaster response teams are on high alert, and fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea as conditions are expected to worsen.

The cyclone’s impact is not limited to Andhra Pradesh. Neighboring states such as Odisha, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu are also expected to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next two days. In Odisha, schools have been closed in several districts as a precaution, and coastal villages are being monitored closely. Telangana’s northern districts have been put on red alert for possible flash floods, while parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are expected to face strong winds and moderate to heavy rains.

The storm surge accompanying Cyclone Montha is likely to raise sea levels and cause flooding in coastal belts. The IMD has warned of potential damage to thatched houses, trees, and power lines, urging people to remain indoors during the cyclone’s passage. Rail and air traffic are also being affected, with dozens of train services suspended and flight schedules disrupted in Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Chennai.

After making landfall, the cyclone is expected to weaken gradually while moving inland, bringing heavy downpours to parts of Telangana and Rayalaseema before dissipating. Emergency response teams have been deployed in vulnerable zones, and authorities are working to ensure power and communication systems remain functional during the storm.

While Cyclone Montha is not expected to directly affect Kerala, meteorologists caution that it could enhance rainfall in parts of the southern peninsula due to moisture drawn from the Bay of Bengal. Residents across the east and south coasts are being urged to stay alert and follow official advisories as the severe weather system continues its path toward the mainland.

For the latest updates, the IMD recommends monitoring official weather bulletins and avoiding the spread of unverified information as Cyclone Montha approaches landfall.