Cyclone Montha has started making landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast, bringing with it fierce winds reaching speeds of nearly 100 kmph. Torrential rain and strong sea waves have battered coastal towns, leading to the collapse of several homes near the shoreline.
Local authorities have issued high alerts across Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam, and Vizianagaram districts, urging residents in low-lying areas to evacuate to safer shelters. Disaster response teams and the Indian Navy have been deployed to assist with rescue operations.
Early reports indicate extensive power outages and damage to fishing boats and coastal roads. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that the cyclone will move north-eastwards and is expected to reach the Odisha coast by early Tuesday morning.
Heavy rainfall warnings have been issued for northern Andhra Pradesh, southern Odisha, and parts of West Bengal. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea for the next 48 hours, as waves are likely to rise as high as 3–4 meters.
Officials said preparations are underway in Odisha with relief camps set up in Ganjam, Puri, and Jagatsinghpur districts to handle potential flooding.
