What is the Impact of Cyclone Montha in Southern Odisha?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Cyclone Montha is a severe cyclonic storm expected to impact Southern Odisha.
- Red and orange alerts have been issued for multiple districts.
- Wind speeds during landfall could reach 110 km/h.
- Fishermen should avoid sea activities until October 30.
- Residents are urged to stay updated on weather advisories.
Bhubaneswar, Oct 28 (NationPress) The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red and orange alerts for various districts in southern Odisha as Cyclone Montha has developed into a severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal on Monday.
During a media briefing, Bhubaneswar IMD Director Dr Manorama Mohanty stated that the cyclone is currently situated approximately 510 km south-southwest of Gopalpur. “It is expected to move north-northwestward and make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada, during the evening or night of October 28 as a severe cyclonic storm,” she remarked.
At landfall, wind speeds are predicted to be between 90 and 110 km per hour, she added.
As a result of this weather system, the IMD has issued red alerts for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in Koraput, Malkangiri, Gajapati, and Kalahandi districts. Additionally, orange and yellow alerts are in effect for Kandhamal, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Ganjam, and Puri districts, where heavy to very heavy rainfall is also anticipated.
In terms of wind, a red warning has been issued for Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Malkangiri, and Koraput districts, with expected wind gusts reaching 60-80 kmph.
Furthermore, the IMD has issued a red alert predicting heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, and Rayagada on October 29. Moderate to heavy rainfall is also likely in Kandhamal, Bolangir, Nuapada, and Gajapati.
Rainfall activity is projected to decrease significantly by October 30, with only scattered heavy showers anticipated in Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, and Deogarh districts.
Dr. Mohanty advised fishermen to refrain from venturing into the sea until October 30, as squally winds are likely to affect the Odisha coastline. All ports have been instructed to display the Local Cautionary Signal No. 2, while Gopalpur port has been asked to maintain Distant Warning Signal No. 3.
The IMD also warned that the cyclone could damage standing paddy and vegetable crops in low-lying and inundated regions. Farmers are encouraged to drain excess water from their fields wherever feasible. Citizens are urged to stay informed about weather updates and adhere to safety advisories issued by the authorities.