Cyclone Montha Strikes Andhra Coast, Fierce Winds at 100 kmph Bring Chaos and Destruction

Cyclone Montha, brewing in the Bay of Bengal, finally crashed onto Andhra’s coast with devastating force. Packing winds up to 110 kmph, it unleashed violent rain, flooding, and massive sea waves. What began as a tropical storm quickly intensified, raising alarm across India’s eastern seaboard. Fishermen were warned, and coastal towns were put on high alert, yet Montha’s sudden ferocity has left officials racing to limit damage.

How powerful were the winds?

As Montha tore through Kakinada, winds uprooted trees, snapped power lines, and ripped off rooftops. A storm surge nearly a meter high flooded low-lying areas, forcing villagers to flee. Darkness fell on entire districts as electricity poles collapsed under the force of the winds. While authorities say Montha will gradually weaken, its current impact is severe and life-threatening.

Where exactly did it strike?

The landfall occurred near Kakinada in East Godavari district, with the process lasting three to four hours. Torrential rains battered nearby towns as waterlogged roads cut off access to villages. Northern Andhra Pradesh remains at risk of flash floods, while the Indian Meteorological Department has issued red alerts in coastal belts. The storm’s fury has made normal life grind to a halt.

How did authorities prepare?

The state government moved disaster response teams and evacuated hundreds of families before the storm hit. Temporary shelters were opened, schools and offices closed, and fishermen ordered to stay away from the sea. Yet Montha’s brutal winds continue to test rescue operations. Officials remain on standby for emergency evacuations, while hospitals and relief centers brace for casualties and injuries.

Which states face the next threat?

Montha is expected to push into northern Andhra and then Odisha and West Bengal. Heavy rains are predicted in districts like 24 Parganas, Medinipur, Purulia, and Burdwan. Even Himalayan regions—Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Jalpaiguri—could witness landslides due to torrential rainfall. With flood alerts already issued, people across eastern India are preparing for prolonged disruption.

Will Montha weaken soon?

Meteorologists forecast that Montha will downgrade into a deep depression by Thursday. But its weakening will not eliminate the risk. Continuous rainfall may flood rivers, destroy farmlands, and wash away crops in Bengal and Odisha. In paddy-growing areas, farmers fear extensive agricultural losses. The storm’s legacy could last weeks, even after its winds fade.

Why is Montha unusual?

Interestingly, “Montha” means “fragrant flower” in Thai. Yet the storm is anything but gentle—it is destructive and punishing. Arriving in a season already marred by floods, Montha highlights how climate change is reshaping weather. Its strength, timing, and spread make it one of the most dangerous cyclones to hit India in recent years, leaving lessons of preparedness and resilience.