Cyclone Montha Makes Landfall Near Kakinada, Bringing 100 kmph Winds, Heavy Rain Lashes Coastal Andhra

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has confirmed that the landfall process of Severe Cyclonic Storm Montha has started along the Andhra Pradesh coast. The system, which has been churning over the west-central Bay of Bengal, is now moving inland, bringing intense rainfall and powerful winds to several coastal districts.

According to IMD's latest update, the landfall began this evening and will continue for the next three to four hours. The storm is expected to cross the coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, close to Kakinada, as a severe cyclonic storm. Wind speeds are estimated to be 90-100 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 110 kmph.

At 4:30 PM IST, Montha was located near latitude 15.8°N and longitude 82.4°E, about 120 km east of Machilipatnam, 130 km south of Kakinada, and 230 km south-southwest of Visakhapatnam. The cyclone has been moving north-northwestwards at a speed of 15 kmph during the past six hours.

Heavy Rainfall and Safety Measures

Heavy to very heavy rainfall has already begun in parts of East Godavari, Krishna, and West Godavari districts. The IMD has advised people to stay indoors and avoid coastal areas until the storm weakens. Fishermen have been warned not to venture into the sea, and ports in Kakinada and Machilipatnam have been put on high alert.

Government on Alert

District administrations have activated emergency control rooms, and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and NDRF teams are on standby. Power supply disruptions, fallen trees, and waterlogging have been reported from a few low-lying areas as winds continue to intensify.

Authorities have appealed to residents to follow safety guidelines and remain indoors until official clearance is issued. The IMD continues to monitor the cyclone's movement closely and will release updates as the system progresses inland.