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Bengaluru and several parts of Karnataka are on alert as a low-pressure system brewing over the Bay of Bengal threatens to intensify into Cyclone Montha.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for coastal and inland districts alike, urging residents to stay cautious as heavy rainfall and gusty winds are expected over the coming days.
Cyclone Montha Set to Form Soon
The IMD has said that the low-pressure area is likely to develop into a cyclonic storm by Sunday, October 26, and, if named, it will be called Montha, a name suggested by Thailand, meaning “beautiful flowers.” Currently hovering over the southeast Bay of Bengal, the system is expected to strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm by October 28.
In its latest update, the IMD noted that the depression moved westwards at seven kmph over the past six hours. As of 11:30 am, it was positioned around 460 km west-southwest of Port Blair, 950 km east-southeast of Chennai, 960 km southeast of Visakhapatnam, 970 km southeast of Kakinada, and 1030 km south-southeast of Gopalpur.
When And Where Will Cyclone Montha Land?
The storm is forecast to travel west-northwestwards, intensifying into a deep depression by October 26, and further into a cyclonic storm over the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal by the morning of October 27.
The IMD predicts that Cyclone Montha will then move north-northwestwards, strengthening into a severe cyclonic storm by the morning of October 28. It is expected to make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast, between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada, on the evening or night of October 28, with maximum sustained winds of 90-100 kmph and gusts up to 110 kmph.
Widespread Rainfall Across Odisha and Andhra Pradesh
Odisha and Andhra Pradesh are also under watch. On October 28, ten districts in Odisha, including Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khurda, Cuttack, Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri, have been placed under an orange alert, while the remaining 20 districts face a yellow warning.
On October 29, six districts, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Balasore, and Mayurbhanj, remain on orange alert, with ten others under yellow alert for possible heavy rainfall.
Heavy Rainfall to Lash Karnataka, Including Bengaluru
Karnataka is set to feel the impact of the system’s twin weather effect. Bengaluru and neighbouring regions are likely to witness moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by strong gusty winds, with the IMD issuing a yellow alert for the area until October 26.
In Tamil Nadu, Chennai and surrounding coastal districts may also experience light to moderate showers and isolated thunderstorms on Saturday, as the Bay of Bengal churns and the system edges closer to formation.
Officials have urged residents, especially in low-lying and vulnerable areas, to remain alert and follow official updates. With Cyclone Montha gaining strength over the Bay of Bengal, preparedness measures are crucial to mitigate potential damage.
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