IMD Sounds Orange Alert in Kerala as Cyclone Montha Brings Heavy Rain and Gusty Winds

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is on high alert as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued orange and yellow alerts across multiple districts on Sunday, warning of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds ahead of Cyclone Montha’s landfall. The cyclone, forming over the Bay of Bengal, is expected to make landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast tomorrow.

According to the IMD, ten districts in Kerala have been placed under weather alerts. An orange alert has been issued for Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod, while a yellow alert is in place for Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, and Wayanad. Authorities have banned fishing operations along the Kerala coast due to rough sea conditions. Seven districts will continue under a yellow alert tomorrow.

Deep Depressions Brewing Over Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal

The IMD reported that a deep depression over the central-eastern Arabian Sea is moving northeastward and is likely to persist over the region for the next 24 hours. Simultaneously, another depression over the southeastern Bay of Bengal is intensifying rapidly. Meteorologists predict that it will strengthen into a cyclone over the southwestern and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal by October 27, and further evolve into a severe cyclonic storm by October 28, with wind speeds reaching up to 110 kmph.

The storm is forecast to make landfall near Kakinada, between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam on the Andhra Pradesh coast, by the evening of October 28.

Cyclone Montha to Bring Intense Rain, High Winds

The IMD confirmed that Cyclone Montha which evolved from the deep depression in the Bay of Bengal is expected to hit the Andhra Pradesh coast tomorrow, bringing very heavy rainfall and gale-force winds. Neighbouring states Odisha and Andhra Pradesh have been placed on high alert, with Odisha issuing a red alert in several districts.

Emergency Preparedness in Vulnerable States

To tackle potential emergencies, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have been deployed in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and other coastal regions. Residents in low-lying areas are being moved to safer locations, and cyclone shelters have been stocked with essential supplies, including food, medicines, and emergency equipment.

Authorities in Kerala have urged residents to remain cautious as the cyclone’s influence is expected to trigger heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across the state.

“Given the combination of heavy rains and approaching cyclonic conditions, residents are advised to stay indoors, avoid coastal areas, and follow official advisories closely,” an IMD official said.