Indian authorities have closed schools and initiated evacuations affecting tens of thousands as Cyclone Montha approaches the eastern coast. The severe cyclonic storm, currently over the Bay of Bengal, is expected to make landfall on the evening of March 15, 2024, near the coastal city of Kakinada in southern Andhra Pradesh. According to the India Meteorological Department, Montha is located approximately 160 kilometers (99 miles) southeast of Machilipatnam and is forecasted to intensify, bringing wind speeds between 90 km/h and 110 km/h (55 to 68 mph).
Authorities have issued red alerts for 19 districts in Andhra Pradesh, anticipating extremely heavy rainfall. Neighboring states, including Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Kerala, and Karnataka, are also expected to experience moderate to heavy showers. As of now, disaster management teams have relocated about 38,000 individuals from vulnerable areas to relief camps, according to a state disaster official.
The Andhra Pradesh government estimates that approximately 4 million people live in zones at risk from the cyclone. To prepare for the storm, officials have established 1,906 relief camps and 364 school shelters. Evacuations continue in 1,238 villages identified as particularly vulnerable. Nara Lokesh, the state’s minister for communications, shared this information via social media, urging residents to take precautions.
In response to the approaching cyclone, schools and colleges have been ordered to remain closed through Wednesday. Fishermen are advised against venturing into the sea. Additionally, there have been partial disruptions to train and flight services on March 15.
In the neighboring state of Odisha, authorities have begun moving around 32,000 individuals from at-risk areas to relief camps. These proactive measures highlight the seriousness with which officials are treating Cyclone Montha, which is part of a troubling trend of increasingly severe storms in South Asia.
Climate scientists have noted that the frequency of severe storms is rising in the region, attributed to climate change and the effects of global warming. India’s eastern coastline has historically been vulnerable to cyclones, but the intensity and unpredictability of these storms have escalated. In 2023, the country experienced its deadliest cyclone season in recent years, resulting in 523 fatalities and approximately $2.5 billion in damages.
As Cyclone Montha approaches, the focus remains on safeguarding lives and minimizing damage. Emergency services are on high alert, and the full impact of the storm will be monitored closely as it makes landfall tonight.