Depression in Bay of Bengal expected to intensify into Cyclone Montha on Monday

The depression in the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a deep depression and later into Cyclone Montha by early October 27, bringing heavy rainfall across Tamil Nadu and coastal Andhra Pradesh.

Turning into a severe cyclonic storm, Montha is expected to make landfall along the Andhra coast near Kakinada, between Kalingapatnam and Machilipatnam, on Tuesday. The storm will be accompanied by heavy winds with a maximum sustained speed of 90-100 kmph, gusting up to 110 kmph, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said in a bulletin. As of Saturday, the depression lay 970 km south-east of Chennai and Visakhapatnam.

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According to the MET report, under the impact of Cyclone Montha, the north coastal and north interior parts of Tamil Nadu, as well as the delta region, are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall. However, independent weather observers have discounted a heavy downpour and significant damage to Chennai and other parts of the state, as Montha would be moving in a north-westerly direction towards coastal Andhra Pradesh.

The name ‘Montha’ was suggested by Thailand, which means ‘fragrant flower’ or ‘beautiful flower’ in Thai. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea, and warning signals have been hoisted at ports and fishing harbours.

However, with the north-west monsoon remaining very active and Cyclone Montha brewing, the state government is gearing up to face the emerging threat from the severe cyclonic storm. Reviewing the situation with top officials at the secretariat in Chennai, Chief Minister MK Stalin has directed them to take all precautionary measures. While Chennai already has 225 relief camps and shelters, the Chief Minister ordered to ensure an adequate number of relief camps with basic amenities for evacuees, particularly in vulnerable and cyclone-prone districts. Officials have been directed to strengthen embankments of rivers and tanks to prevent breaches during heavy downpour.

Since the onset of the monsoon on October 16, heavy rains under the influence of two low-pressure areas in the Bay of Bengal lashed Chennai, Cuddalore, the Delta districts, and other areas, damaging standing crops.