Cyclone Montha Impact: The formation of Cyclone Montha on India’s eastern coast has raised concerns for both the meteorological department and the administration. The deep depression formed in the Bay of Bengal has now turned into a cyclonic storm and is expected to intensify into a ‘Severe Cyclonic Storm’ within the next 24 hours.

Meanwhile, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for heavy rainfall and strong winds in several districts of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu.

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What is the status of Cyclone Montha?

According to IMD, ‘Montha’ is active in the central part of the Bay of Bengal and is gradually moving in a north-westerly direction. It is likely to hit coastal areas – Andhra Pradesh and Odisha coasts – within the next 24 to 36 hours. The meteorological department reported that this will cause high waves in the sea, and fishermen have been strictly warned not to venture into the sea.

Alerts issued for these states

IMD has issued orange and red alerts for several districts in four eastern coastal states – Odisha, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. Red alerts have been issued for Kakinada, Kona Seema, Eluru, West Godavari, Krishna, Guntur, Bapatla, Prakasam, and SPSR Nellore districts in Andhra Pradesh.

Meanwhile, orange alerts have been issued for Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, and Ranipet districts in Tamil Nadu, where heavy rainfall is expected. Odisha and West Bengal: Heavy rainfall, strong winds, and sea turbulence are likely in coastal areas of both states.

Impact on schools and colleges: Where are holidays declared, where will they remain open?

Due to Cyclone Montha, holidays have been declared in schools and colleges in several districts, while institutions will remain open as usual in some places.

Where schools will remain closed:

Andhra Pradesh:

  • Administration has declared two days of school holidays in Visakhapatnam, Anakapalle, and West Godavari districts.
  • These districts are expected to be most affected by the cyclone.

Tamil Nadu (some areas):

  • Despite heavy rainfall warnings in Chennai and surrounding districts, no official holiday has been announced yet, but administration may take a decision soon based on weather conditions.

Where schools will remain open:

No formal orders have been received yet in districts like Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipum, and Ranipet. Therefore, schools and colleges are operating regularly. Schools are also open in most parts of Odisha and West Bengal, but local administration is monitoring the situation.

Precautionary measures taken by administration

Considering the increasing threat of Cyclone ‘Montha’, state governments have deployed several teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Rescue boats, generators, sandbags, and emergency supplies are being arranged in coastal districts. Fishermen have been warned not to venture into the sea for 48 hours. Special teams have been activated in many areas for power supply and traffic control.

IMD warning – Next 48 hours crucial

According to the meteorological department, heavy to very heavy rainfall may occur over the next two days. Coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu may experience winds with speeds of 60-80 km per hour. Odisha and West Bengal also face risks of lightning strikes and tree falling incidents along with rainfall.

Cyclone Montha is currently moving rapidly towards the eastern coast and its impact may affect schools, colleges, traffic, and power supply. The administration is closely monitoring the situation. People living in coastal areas are advised to keep an eye on IMD and local administration alerts. Until official information is received, people should not pay attention to rumors and remain in safe places.

Bay of Bengal

The Bay of Bengal is the northeastern part of the Indian Ocean, bounded by India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. Historically, it has been a crucial maritime trade route for centuries, connecting South and Southeast Asia and facilitating the spread of Buddhism, Hinduism, and later Islam. Its shores have been home to powerful empires and were a central arena for European colonial trade and rivalry.

Odisha

Odisha is an eastern Indian state renowned for its rich history, ancient Hindu temples, and vibrant tribal culture. It is home to the famous Sun Temple at Konark, a 13th-century UNESCO World Heritage site built in the form of a colossal chariot, and the Jagannath Temple in Puri, a major Hindu pilgrimage site. The region’s unique cultural identity is also expressed through its classical Odissi dance and intricate Pattachitra art.

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh is a state in southeastern India, historically known as the “Rice Bowl of India” for its fertile river deltas. It has a rich cultural history, being home to ancient Buddhist sites like Amaravati and a powerful dynasty, the Satavahanas, who ruled from the 2nd century BCE. The modern state was formed in 1956 on a linguistic basis and its capital, Amaravati, is a newly developed city.

West Bengal

West Bengal is a state in eastern India with a rich cultural and historical heritage, famously known as the birthplace of the Bengali Renaissance. Its capital, Kolkata, served as the capital of British India until 1911 and was a major center for art, literature, and social reform. The state is also home to the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage site, which is famous for its Royal Bengal tigers.

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is a state in southern India renowned for its rich Dravidian culture and magnificent Hindu temples, many of which were built by ancient dynasties like the Cholas, Pallavas, and Pandyas. It is home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Great Living Chola Temples and is considered a custodian of classical Indian art forms like Bharatanatyam. The region has a continuous history dating back over two millennia, making it one of India’s most significant cultural and historical heartlands.

Kakinada

Kakinada is a port city in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, historically known as the “Fertilizer Capital of India” due to its large concentration of fertilizer plants. Its history is tied to its natural harbor on the Coromandel Coast, which made it a significant trading center, particularly for rice, tobacco, and textiles. The city was also part of the erstwhile Madras Presidency during the British colonial era.

Chennai

Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is a major coastal metropolis in South India founded in the 17th century by the British East India Company. It is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, including classical Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam dance. The city is also home to historic landmarks such as Fort St. George and the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, reflecting its colonial and Dravidian history.

Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam, often called Vizag, is a major port city on the east coast of India in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Its history dates back to the 6th century BCE, and it was ruled by various dynasties like the Kalingas and the Eastern Ghanas before becoming a significant maritime hub under British colonial rule. Today, it is a major industrial center and is renowned for its beautiful beaches, such as Ramakrishna Beach, and the ancient Buddhist site of Thotlakonda.