Cyclone Montha Triggers Widespread School Closures Across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha
As Cyclone Montha intensifies over the west-central Bay of Bengal, several southern and eastern states of India have taken precautionary measures, including closing schools and colleges, activating emergency response teams, and issuing red alerts to ensure public safety. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has classified Montha as a severe cyclonic storm, warning of strong winds, heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, and potential flooding in the coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu.
The storm, which originated as a deep depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal on October 26, 2025, has steadily intensified, moving north-northwestwards at a speed of approximately 10 kmph. According to the latest IMD update, Montha is currently positioned about 100 km off Machilipatnam, 180 km from Kakinada, with Visakhapatnam lying around 270 km away from its center. Meteorologists predict that the cyclone is likely to make landfall near Kakinada, somewhere between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, during the evening or night of October 28.
The IMD has forecast wind speeds of 90–100 kmph, gusting up to 110 kmph, and heavy rainfall across multiple coastal districts, raising the risk of waterlogging, flooding, and localized damage to infrastructure. The agency has advised state authorities to remain vigilant, deploy disaster management teams, and ensure timely evacuation of vulnerable populations where necessary.
Andhra Pradesh on High Alert
The Andhra Pradesh government has declared holidays for schools and colleges across several districts, including Kakinada, East Godavari, West Godavari, Eluru, Krishna, Konaseema, and Visakhapatnam. The closure decision follows persistent rainfall and strong winds affecting coastal regions since Monday night.
Local authorities have been instructed to monitor the situation closely, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas. In Konaseema district, the cyclone has already caused a fatality, as a woman reportedly died when a tree was uprooted by strong winds and fell on her house. Continuous rainfall has been recorded in Nellore, Machilipatnam, and Tuni, with precipitation levels ranging from 5 mm to 15 mm since Tuesday morning.
To mitigate potential risks, the state government has pre-positioned emergency response teams and ensured adequate supplies of fuel and food in cyclone-prone areas. The administration has also advised residents to stay indoors, avoid venturing into flooded areas, and follow instructions from local authorities.
Odisha Implements Extensive Safety Measures
In Odisha, the government has ordered the closure of all schools and anganwadi centres in nine districts until October 30. These include Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, and Kandhamal—districts most likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall and potential flooding due to Montha.
The Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Department has activated more than 1,400 cyclone shelters to accommodate residents from low-lying and landslide-prone areas. The government has also deployed 140 rescue teams, comprising over 5,000 personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), and Fire Services, to assist with evacuation, relief, and rescue operations.
All sea beaches have been sealed, and fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the sea until the cyclone passes. Transport and logistics have also been affected; the East Coast Railway has announced cancellations and diversions across the Waltair region. Additionally, key ports including Gopalpur, Paradip, Dhamra, Puri, and Chandbali have been placed under Local Cautionary Signals (LC-III) or Distant Warning Signals (DW-II) to prevent maritime accidents.
The Chief Minister, Mohan Charan Majhi, is expected to review the state’s preparedness and coordinate with disaster management authorities to ensure rapid response in case of emergencies. Government employees in coastal districts have had their leaves cancelled until October 30 to maintain full operational capacity during the cyclone.
Tamil Nadu Prepares for Peripheral Impact
While Tamil Nadu is not expected to face the direct landfall of Cyclone Montha, the IMD has issued orange and yellow alerts for several coastal districts due to the cyclone’s peripheral effects. Heavy rainfall is forecasted across Chennai, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, and Thoothukudi districts through October 28.
In response, district collectors in Cuddalore, Villupuram, and Thoothukudi have declared holidays for all schools, prioritizing student safety. Fishermen have been advised against venturing into the sea, while the Chennai Corporation has intensified stormwater drainage clearance operations and strengthened emergency response mechanisms to prevent waterlogging in urban areas.
Emergency Response and Safety Measures
Across all affected states, authorities have taken a multi-pronged approach to mitigate cyclone-related risks:
- School Closures: Preemptive holidays have been declared to avoid putting students at risk.
- Evacuation Plans: Vulnerable populations in low-lying, flood-prone, and landslide-sensitive areas have been moved to shelters.
- Rescue Teams: Thousands of personnel from NDRF, ODRAF, and Fire Services remain on standby for rapid deployment.
- Public Warnings: Residents are being informed through alerts, advisories, and media updates.
- Transport Precautions: Train cancellations, port warnings, and restrictions on sea travel have been implemented to prevent accidents.
- Infrastructure Measures: Drainage clearance, fuel and food stockpiling, and emergency medical arrangements are in place.
Authorities have stressed that residents avoid traveling unnecessarily, follow official instructions, and stay indoors during the peak of the storm.
Significance and Outlook
Cyclone Montha—meaning a “fragrant flower” in Thai—is a reminder of the annual vulnerability of India’s east coast to cyclones originating in the Bay of Bengal. The storm highlights the need for proactive disaster preparedness, especially in regions with dense population, coastal infrastructure, and educational institutions.
Experts emphasize that early warning systems, school closures, and evacuation protocols can significantly reduce casualties and property damage. As Montha moves north-northwestwards, state authorities are closely monitoring its intensity, trajectory, and rainfall patterns to adapt response measures in real-time.
With Cyclone Montha expected to make landfall by evening/night of October 28, the coming hours are crucial. Residents, students, and authorities are urged to maintain vigilance, and compliance with warnings could save lives.
