Developing Cyclone Over Eastern Seas
Cyclone Montha Intensifies Over Bay of Bengal: A rapidly strengthening weather system over the southeast Bay of Bengal has intensified into a deep depression, expected to evolve into Cyclone Montha by October 27, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The storm is projected to track west-northwestwards toward the coasts of Andhra Pradesh, northern Tamil Nadu, and southern Odisha, potentially causing widespread rainfall and strong winds across eastern India.
Static GK fact: The Bay of Bengal accounts for nearly 70% of India’s cyclonic systems due to warm sea surface temperatures and conducive wind shear during the post-monsoon season (October–December).
Meteorological Observations
As of October 25, the depression lay approximately 420 km east-southeast of Port Blair and nearly 1,000 km from Visakhapatnam and Chennai. It is expected to reach the southwest and west-central Bay of Bengal by Monday morning. Wind speeds are forecast to increase to 80–100 km/h, gusting up to 110 km/h, resulting in very rough to high sea conditions.
Static GK Tip: The IMD, headquartered in New Delhi, operates under the Ministry of Earth Sciences and serves as the national agency for weather forecasting and cyclone alerts.
States Under Orange and Yellow Alerts
An Orange Alert has been issued for several districts across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha, warning of very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall and squally winds.
- Tamil Nadu: Heavy rain is forecast over Kanyakumari, Tenkasi, Thoothukkudi, Tirunelveli, and Ramanathapuram, with Chennai and nearby districts under a Yellow Alert.
- Andhra Pradesh: Coastal belts from Machilipatnam to Visakhapatnam are likely to witness strong winds and downpours.
- Odisha: Districts including Ganjam, Gajapati, and Rayagada remain under Orange Alert.
Static GK fact: An Orange Alert under IMD’s warning system signifies a “Be Prepared” stage, indicating potential rainfall between 115.6–204.4 mm and wind speeds of 62–88 km/h.
Forecast Path and Possible Landfall
The exact landfall point remains uncertain, but models suggest it may occur along the Andhra Pradesh coast between October 27–28. Meteorologists predict heavy rainfall could extend to West Bengal, Jharkhand, and northern Odisha, possibly affecting Chhath Puja festivities due to overcast conditions.
Static GK fact: The name “Montha” was contributed by Myanmar under the World Meteorological Organization’s cyclone naming system for the North Indian Ocean.
Government Preparedness and Response
State disaster management authorities in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha have activated control rooms and placed NDRF teams on standby for immediate rescue operations. Fishermen have been prohibited from venturing into the sea from October 26 to 29, and ports have been directed to hoist Local Cautionary Signal No. 3.
Static GK Tip: The NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) was established in 2006 under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, with its headquarters located in New Delhi.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Cyclone Montha Intensifies Over Bay of Bengal:
| Topic | Detail |
| Cyclone Name | Montha |
| Name Contributor | Myanmar |
| Forecast Region | Bay of Bengal |
| Expected Landfall | Andhra Pradesh coast (late October 2025) |
| IMD Alert Level | Orange Alert (Be Prepared) |
| Wind Speed Estimate | 80–100 km/h (gusting to 110 km/h) |
| Key Affected States | Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha |
| Responsible Agency | India Meteorological Department (IMD) |
| Fishermen Advisory | Avoid sea travel between Oct 26–29 |
| Disaster Response Team | National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) |
