Odisha on High Alert as Bay of Bengal Depression Intensifies into Cyclonic Storm 'Montha'

Odisha Braces for Cyclonic Storm 'Montha'

The Odisha government has placed all district administrations and key departments on high alert as a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a depression on Saturday, October 25, 2025. This weather system is forecast to further strengthen into a cyclonic storm, likely to be named 'Montha', by Monday, October 27. Although the cyclone is projected to make landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast, Odisha is preparing for significant impact, including heavy rainfall and gusty winds from October 27 to 29.

IMD Forecast and Expected Landfall

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the depression, currently over the southeast Bay of Bengal, is expected to intensify into a deep depression by Sunday, October 26, and subsequently into a cyclonic storm over the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal by Monday morning, October 27. The system is then likely to continue moving west-northwestwards, intensifying into a severe cyclonic storm by the morning of October 28. The IMD predicts that the storm will cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada, on the evening or night of October 28, with maximum sustained wind speeds of 90-100 kmph, gusting up to 110 kmph. The name 'Montha' has been suggested by Thailand, following international naming conventions.

Odisha's Preparedness Measures

Odisha's Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, Suresh Pujari, confirmed that all district collectors and relevant departments have been directed to remain vigilant and prepared for any eventuality. Around 15 districts, particularly in the southern and coastal regions of the state, are anticipated to be affected. The IMD has issued tiered warnings for Odisha:

• Orange Alert: Issued for Ganjam, Gajapati, and Rayagada districts, indicating preparedness for heavy to very heavy rain and thunderstorms.
• Yellow Alert: Issued for districts including Malkangiri, Koraput, Nawarangpur, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Bolangir, Nuapada, Boudh, Nayagarh, Khurda, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, and Cuttack, signifying awareness of potential impacts.

In a proactive move, the leaves of government officials in Kendrapara, Balasore, and Ganjam districts have been cancelled to ensure maximum personnel availability for disaster response. Disaster management teams have made arrangements for relief centers, evacuation plans, and the provision of essential supplies.

Expected Impact and Public Advisories

Odisha is expected to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall for three days, from October 27 to 29. Squally winds, with speeds of 35-45 kmph, are likely along the Odisha coast starting October 26, increasing to 50-60 kmph by October 28-29. Sea conditions are expected to be rough to very rough, prompting strict advisories for the fishing community. Fishermen have been strongly advised not to venture into the sea along the Odisha coast from October 26 to 29, and those already at sea in the southwest and adjoining central Bay of Bengal, and along the Tamil Nadu-Andhra Pradesh coasts, have been urged to return to shore immediately. Minister Pujari reiterated that 'protecting lives is our top priority' and urged citizens to remain calm and follow official instructions.