New Delhi : Cyclone Montha, the first major storm of the season, has intensified over the southeast Bay of Bengal and is expected to make landfall near Kakinada on the Andhra Pradesh coast by the evening of October 28, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The cyclone is likely to develop into a severe cyclonic storm before hitting the mainland, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and rough sea conditions across coastal Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
Schools and Colleges Ordered Closed
Both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh governments have declared holidays for schools and colleges in multiple districts as a precautionary measure. Disaster response teams have been mobilised, and emergency shelters have been prepared in low-lying and coastal regions.
Andhra Pradesh
- Kakinada district: Schools to remain shut from October 27 to 31. Residents of Hope Island have been relocated to safer shelters.
- West Godavari and Eluru districts: Two-day holiday declared for all schools and colleges on October 27 and 28.
- East Godavari, Annamayya, and Kadapa districts: Educational institutions closed on October 27 and 28.
- NTR, Bapatla, Krishna, and Guntur districts: Schools closed from October 27 to 29.
- Konaseema district: Closure decisions will depend on rainfall intensity and further weather updates.
Odisha
- Gajapati district: All schools, anganwadi centres, and colleges closed till October 30, 2025.
- Other southern districts including Ganjam, Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur are under high alert and may announce similar closures soon.
Cyclone Path and Landfall Prediction
As per IMD forecasts, Cyclone Montha is currently centred over the southeast Bay of Bengal and is moving west-northwestward. The storm is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam near Kakinada by the evening or night of October 28.
Wind speeds are likely to reach 90–100 km/h, gusting up to 110 km/h. Heavy rainfall is predicted across coastal Andhra Pradesh, south Odisha, and adjoining Tamil Nadu regions between October 27 and 30.
Odisha Reviews Preparedness
Odisha’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari chaired a high-level meeting to assess cyclone readiness. Eight districts — Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur — have been placed under the Red Zone category due to high vulnerability.
Rescue teams, medical units, and relief materials have been pre-positioned in sensitive areas. Fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the sea until further notice.
Helpline Numbers for Emergency Assistance
Odisha State Helpline: 7608880480
Andhra Pradesh Emergency Helpline: 108 (available for medical, police, fire, and disaster-related emergencies)
Coast Guard Marine Rescue: 1554
Residents are advised to stay indoors during heavy rainfall, avoid travelling to coastal areas, and follow official advisories issued by district administrations.
Safety Tips
- Stay updated with IMD bulletins and local government announcements.
- Keep emergency kits ready with essentials such as food, water, medicines, and flashlights.
- Switch off electrical connections in flood-prone houses if necessary.
- Do not step outside or near waterlogged zones during high winds or lightning.
EduAdvice will continue to monitor the cyclone’s progress and provide timely updates on weather developments, school reopening schedules, and state relief operations.
Click Here for More Latest News