As a nascent cyclonic disturbance gathers strength in the Bay of Bengal, the Odisha government has activated comprehensive emergency measures across its vulnerable coastal regions, signaling a proactive stance against the impending threat of Cyclone Montha.
In a swift response to the evolving weather patterns, authorities in Balasore district have rescinded all leave approvals for government staff, ensuring uninterrupted operational capacity. Similarly, in Ganjam district, officials have received firm instructions to maintain their posts at headquarters without exception until the situation stabilizes. These directives underscore a broader mandate from the state administration, which has called upon district collectors, disaster management units, and municipal entities to sustain heightened alertness. The emphasis falls particularly on southern and shoreline areas, where 24-hour monitoring and rapid-response protocols are now in full effect to mitigate potential disruptions.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a detailed forecast outlining the storm’s rapid escalation. Currently a low-pressure area, the system is projected to evolve into a deep depression by Sunday, October 26, 2025. By early Monday, October 27, it is anticipated to develop into a full cyclonic storm within the southwest and adjacent west-central Bay of Bengal. Further intensification is expected, transforming it into a severe cyclonic storm by Tuesday morning, October 28.
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Landfall remains the critical concern, with the IMD predicting the cyclone’s impact between Machilipatnam in Andhra Pradesh and Kalingapatnam in Odisha sometime between Tuesday evening and late night. At that juncture, sustained wind speeds could reach 90 to 100 kilometers per hour, with gusts surging as high as 110 kilometers per hour, posing significant risks to infrastructure, agriculture, and public safety in the path.
This coordinated alert reflects lessons from past cyclones, prioritizing evacuation planning, shelter readiness, and communication networks. While no immediate evacuations have been ordered, the government’s preemptive actions aim to avert the chaos seen in previous events, safeguarding lives and livelihoods in one of India’s most cyclone-prone zones. Residents in affected districts are advised to stay tuned to official updates from the IMD and local authorities as the system tracks closer.