Daijiworld Media Network - Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, Oct 28: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has raised red and orange alerts for several southern districts of Odisha as Cyclone Montha has strengthened into a severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal.

Dr. Manorama Mohanty, Director of IMD Bhubaneswar, stated that the cyclone is currently located around 510 km south-southwest of Gopalpur. She said the system is expected to move north-northwest and make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast, between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam near Kakinada, later on October 28, with wind speeds estimated at 90-110 kmph.

The IMD has issued red alerts for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in Koraput, Malkangiri, Gajapati, and Kalahandi districts, while orange and yellow warnings cover Kandhamal, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Ganjam, and Puri, where heavy to very heavy showers are likely.

For wind, a red warning is in place for Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Malkangiri, and Koraput, with gusts expected to reach 60-80 kmph. On October 29, Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, and Rayagada may experience heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, while moderate to heavy rain is forecast in Kandhamal, Bolangir, Nuapada, and Gajapati. By October 30, rainfall is expected to ease, with isolated heavy showers in Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, and Deogarh districts.

Dr. Mohanty urged fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea until October 30 due to strong squally winds along the coast. Ports have been advised to hoist Local Cautionary Signal No. 2, while Gopalpur port is to maintain Distant Warning Signal No. 3.

The IMD also warned that the cyclone could damage standing paddy and vegetable crops in low-lying areas. Farmers have been advised to drain excess water from their fields. Citizens have been urged to stay tuned to weather updates and follow government advisories for safety.