Bhubaneswar: Cyclonic Storm Montha over coastal Andhra Pradesh is likely to weaken into a deep depression and further into depression on Wednesday, according to India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The system was centered about 80 km northwest of Narsapur (Andhra Pradesh), 100 km west of Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh), 90 km north of Machilipatnam (Andhra Pradesh), 230 km west-southwest of Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) and 460 km southwest of Gopalpur (Odisha), at 5.30 am.
“It is likely to move north-northwestwards across coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and weaken into a deep depression during next 3 hours and into a depression during subsequent 6 hours,” the MeT office said in its morning bulletin.
Rain Warning For Today
Heavy rainfall (7 to 11cm) may occur at isolated places in the districts of, Ganjam, Sundargarh, Keonjhar Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak, Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada, Gajpati, Kalahandi and Nabarangpur.
Montha Lost Steam
According to Centre for Environment and Climate (CEC) of SOA Deemed to be University here, Montha suddenly weakened near the coast due to cold water and release of latent heat was not enough to maintain temperature of sea water. Cloud mass began pushing westwards and getting clear in South Odisha adjoining Andhra Pradesh. So, light to moderate rain may occur in Interior districts, including South and western parts of Odisha from October 29-30. However, severe thunderstorm may occur during the period .
Light to moderate rain is also likely in coastal districts, including Bhubaneswar, on October 29.
The Landfall & Impact In Southern Districts Of Odisha
As the severe cyclonic storm made landfall near Kakinada on the Andhra coast around 7 pm on Tuesday, it unleashed extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds over southern and coastal Odisha, damaging homes, uprooting trees, and flooding low-lying areas. Winds gusting 90-100 kmph disrupted communication lines in southern Odisha as the storm neared land. However, no loss of life reported from anywhere in the state.
In light of the development, the state government took precautionary measures, evacuating coastal settlements and beaches and setting up helpline numbers.
Bhubaneswar – 8114382371
Khurda Road – 9668978727
Berhampur – 9668978725
Train services were also hit, leaving passengers stranded at stations overnight.
“Barring some stray cases of landslides and tree felling, there has been no major incident even after three hours of landfall,” Chief Minister Majhi told reporters after reviewing the situation from the state disaster control room.
Landslides & Coastline Breach
Gajapati and Ganjam districts bore the brunt, with reports of landslides and blocked roads in R Udayagiri, Parlakhemundi, Huma and Kashipur.
In Ganjam, the impact was more severe in five coastal blocks– Ganjam, Chhatrapur, Khallikote, Rangeilunda and Chikiti. Several other areas, including Patrapur, Digapahandi, Polasara, Kabisuryanagar and Gopalpur, also recorded heavy rainfall.
Rough sea erodes shoreline and causes damage to properties located near the shore in the Podampeta village, due to the impact of Cyclone Montha. Authorities confirmed no loss of lives with residents relocated to Siddhantnagar.
After receiving reports of the sea incursion, Chhatrapur MLA Krushna Chandra Nayak and administrative officials visited the spot to assess the situation. The road leading to Podampeta was sealed as a safety measure.
With Ganjam under red warning, over 3,600 people were shifted to temporary and multipurpose cyclone shelters and 970 pregnant women relocated to health centre. Three ODRAF teams and 26 Fire Service units deployed to Patrapur, Aska, Surada, and Bhanjanagar. JCBs and excavators were also readied at block level for road clearance and quick response.
Authorities had identified landslide-prone zones in Patrapur, Surada, Digapahandi, and K Nuagaon. Traffic through Kalingaghati was stopped as a precaution and tourist entry to Gopalpur and Sonapur beaches banned. Hotels were also advised not to accept new bookings.
Landslides caused major disruptions in Gajapati as the cyclonic system brought strong winds and incessant rain. A landslide was reported in Partada panchayat under Kashinagar block, where rocks rolled onto the road, halting vehicle traffic. Likewise, a landslide occurred at Badagaon ghat in the R Udayagiri block, obstructing the route connecting Ramgiri, Badagaon, and five surrounding villages, as well as traffic to Berhampur. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, as the area was deserted owing to the heavy downpour.
In Kasinagar block, heavy water flow in the Gumma canal also disrupted road communication to Khinga and Bada Khinga villages under Ranipentha panchayat, leaving the villages temporarily cut off. The Bansadhara River, which flows through Kasinagar, is currently flowing below the danger mark of 54.60 metres.
One NDRF and three ODRAF teams along with 12 from Fire Service were deployed to carry out rescue and restoration.
Heavy rainfall triggered by Cyclone Montha and its remnants caused landslides, road blockades, and power outages across Koraput district. Narayanpatna block witnessed multiple landslides even before the cyclone made landfall near Kakinada late last night.
Rayagada district also experienced heavy rainfall, resulting in uprooted trees and partial damage to homes in the Gunupur, Gudari, and Ramanaguda blocks. With the rise in the water level of Bansadhara River, authorities started evacuating residents from low-lying areas to safer locations.
In Kandhamal, Kalinga ghat has been sealed due to the risk of landslides, and movement through the stretch has been restricted until October 30.
Schools and Anganwadi centres in nine districts – Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal and Khura, have been closed until October 30 as a precautionary measure.