Andhra braces as Cyclone Montha nears landfall near Kakinada; experts warn of Michaung-level impact
During the past six hours, Montha, over the west central Bay of Bengal, has moved north-north westwards with a speed of 12 kmph and lies centred near latitude 14.9°N and longitude 82.9°E.
By Newsmeter Network
Kakinada: As the severe cyclonic storm Montha nears landfall near Kakinada, weather experts say its severity will match Cyclone Michaung that hit Andhra Pradesh in 2023.
On December 5, 2023, Michaung made landfall between Nellore and Machilipatnam in Andhra Pradesh, with the India Meteorological Department documenting peak 3-minute sustained winds of 100 km/h (65 mph).
Michaung’s intensity and its aftermath highlighted the profound impact of tropical cyclones in the region, particularly during the post-monsoon period.
Status of Montha
During the past six hours, Montha, over the west central Bay of Bengal, has moved north-north westwards with a speed of 12 kmph and lies centred near latitude 14.9°N and longitude 82.9°E.
It is about 160 km south-southeast of Machilipatnam (Andhra Pradesh), 240 km south-southeast of Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh), 320 km south-southwest of Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) and 530 km south-southwest of Gopalpur (Odisha).
It will continue to move north-northwestwards and cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam around Kakinada during the evening/night of October 28 (Tuesday) as a severe cyclonic storm with a maximum sustained wind speed of 90-100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph.
Experts weigh in
According to the Andhra Pradesh Weatherman Praneeth, the system is sheared to the northern portions, providing sunny weather along Kakinada – Amalapuram – Narsapuram belts for now.
However, the other side of the south looks strong.
As the storm approaches landfall tonight, these bands will strike Krishna and Bapatla districts intensely and then NTR (Vijayawada belt) – Amaravathi – Guntur and parts of Eluru – West Godavari districts on October 29 morning.
Heavy rainfall warning
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts
- Heavy to Very Heavy rain with Extremely Heavy rain likely at isolated places over NCAP, Yanam, SCAP and Rayalaseema.
- Thunderstorm accompanied by lightning is likely over NCAP and Yanam, SCAP and Rayalaseema.
- Gale winds with a speed of 60-70 kmph gusting to 80 kmph, becoming 90-100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph over NCAP, Yanam, SCAP and Rayalaseema on October 28.
- On October 29, Heavy to Very Heavy rain is likely at isolated places over NCAP, Yanam, SCAP and Rayalaseema. Thunderstorm accompanied by lightning is likely over NCAP and Yanam, SCAP and Rayalaseema.
- Gale winds with speed of 60-70 kmph gusting to 80 kmph, becoming squally winds with speed of 45-55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph by evening over NCAP, Yanam, SCAP and Rayalaseema.
Alert for AP ports
The Cyclone Warning Centre in Visakhapatnam has upgraded alerts for all major ports in the state.
A danger signal No. 10 has been issued for Kakinada Port, while danger signal No. 9 has been hoisted for Visakhapatnam and Gangavaram ports. Machilipatnam, Nizampatnam and Krishnapatnam ports have been placed under danger signal No. 8.
How did the cyclone get its name?
The cyclones in the North Indian Ocean region are given names from a predetermined list submitted by countries in the region.
The name Montha was suggested by Thailand, one of the 13 member countries that contribute to naming cyclones in the North Indian Ocean region. Montha means fragrant flower or beautiful flower in the Thai language.
