Is the Indian Army on High Alert Due to Cyclone Montha?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Indian Army is on high alert due to Cyclone Montha.
- Coordination with NDMA and IMD is ongoing for effective response.
- Projected wind speeds of 90-100 kmph, with gusts up to 110 kmph.
- Disaster Response Columns are deployed across affected states.
- Public safety and timely evacuation are top priorities.
New Delhi, Oct 26 (NationPress) The Indian Army has been placed on high alert as two weather systems over the East Central Arabian Sea and the Southeast Bay of Bengal are predicted to develop into Cyclone Montha in the next 48 hours, as reported by an official on Sunday.
Officials indicate that the Army is working in close collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), and coastal state authorities to ensure a swift response and preparedness.
As of early Sunday, a depression in the East Central Arabian Sea was situated approximately 700 km west-southwest of Mumbai and 760 km west of Panjim, likely to drift westward over the following 24 hours.
At the same time, a deep depression in the Southeast Bay of Bengal, around 610 km west of Port Blair and 790 km east-southeast of Chennai, is anticipated to strengthen into a cyclonic storm, potentially escalating to a severe cyclonic storm by October 28.
The storm is expected to affect the coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh—especially between Machilipatnam and Kakinada—on the evening or night of October 28, bringing wind speeds of 90-100 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 110 kmph. Coastal Odisha and northern Tamil Nadu are also likely to face heavy rainfall and strong winds during this time.
The Indian Army has activated its Disaster Response Columns (DRCs) in the regions predicted to be affected. Both dedicated and reserve columns have been deployed in Karnataka (8 and 9), Kerala (6 and 7), Andhra Pradesh & Telangana (10 and 7), Tamil Nadu (7 and 8), West Bengal (7), and the Lakshadweep & Minicoy Islands (1 and 1).
Officials have stressed that Army control rooms are maintaining continuous coordination with the NDMA, IMD, and local administrations to facilitate swift evacuation, relief, and rescue operations.
"The Indian Army is entirely prepared to offer humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) to our fellow citizens in any circumstances that arise from Cyclone Montha," stated an official.