What is Cyclone Montha? Know About Its Origin, Naming Process, and Meaning

A new tropical cyclone named Montha has formed over the southeast Bay of Bengal and is now moving towards India’s east coast. The storm, which began as a low-pressure system in late October 2025, is rapidly gaining strength and is expected to make landfall near Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh on October 28. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), it may intensify into a Severe Cyclonic Storm, bringing strong winds, heavy rainfall, and coastal flooding.

What is Cyclone Montha?

Cyclone Montha is a tropical storm that developed from a low-pressure area over warm ocean waters. Such storms are common in the Bay of Bengal, one of the world’s most active cyclone-forming regions.
As the warm, moist air from the sea rises, it creates a low-pressure zone that pulls in surrounding air. This continuous cycle strengthens the system, eventually forming a rotating storm with high wind speeds and intense rainfall.

Formation of the Cyclone

• Stage 1: A low-pressure system formed over the southeast Bay of Bengal.
• Stage 2: It intensified into a deep depression as it moved northwestward.
• Stage 3: Within a short period, it strengthened into a cyclonic storm, officially named Montha.
• Stage 4: It is now predicted to become a Severe Cyclonic Storm before making landfall.

Meteorologists say the warm sea surface temperature and favorable wind patterns are helping the cyclone gain strength.

Meaning Behind the Name ‘Montha’

The name ‘Montha’ was suggested by Thailand and translates to “a fragrant flower” or “beautiful flower” in Thai.
Countries bordering the Indian Ocean follow a rotating list of names for cyclones, agreed upon by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The use of names helps the public and disaster authorities easily track and communicate storm updates.

Predicted Path and Landfall

The IMD forecasts that Cyclone Montha will move towards the Andhra Pradesh coast, crossing near Kakinada, between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, on the evening or night of October 28, 2025.
At the time of landfall, wind speeds could reach 90–100 km/h, gusting up to 110 km/h, with very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall expected along coastal regions.

Vulnerable Zones and High-Risk Areas

Several parts of India’s east coast are at high risk from Cyclone Montha, with coastal districts likely to face heavy rain, flooding, and strong winds.

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh is expected to face the worst impact of the cyclone. The state government has issued Red Alerts for several coastal districts, urging residents in low-lying areas to evacuate.

Most affected districts include:

• Kakinada (expected landfall area)
• East and West Godavari
• Konaseema
• Krishna
• Eluru
• Bapatla
• Prakasam
• Nellore
• Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli

Odisha

Though the storm will not directly hit Odisha, its southern districts will experience heavy rainfall and strong winds, leading to potential floods and landslides.

High-alert districts:
Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Gajapati, Ganjam, Kandhamal, and Kalahandi.

Other States Likely to be Affected

• Telangana: Heavy rainfall expected in Jayashankar Bhupalpally, Mulugu, Bhadradri Kothagudem, and Mahabubabad.
• Tamil Nadu: Orange alerts for Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, and Ranipet.
• Puducherry (Yanam): Extremely heavy rain predicted.
• West Bengal: South Bengal districts may experience heavy rain and gusty winds.
• Chhattisgarh: Rainfall expected after the system moves inland.

Government Alerts and Preparedness

The IMD has issued Red and Orange Alerts for coastal states.
Disaster response teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are already deployed.
Authorities are:

• Conducting mass evacuations from coastal villages
• Securing fishing boats and ports
• Ensuring power backup and emergency shelters
• Monitoring flood-prone areas round the clock

Expected Impact

• Heavy to Extremely Heavy Rainfall — leading to flash floods and waterlogging.
• Strong Winds — likely to damage houses, trees, and power infrastructure.
• Storm Surge — causing seawater to rise and flood coastal areas.
• Disruption of Transport — trains and flights may be delayed or canceled.
• Loss to Agriculture — crops like paddy and coconut may suffer extensive damage.