(Image source from: Newindianexpress.com)
A ‘strong’ cyclone is forecasted to hit the coastline of Andhra Pradesh early next week, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday. When it becomes more powerful, the storm will be called Cyclone Montha, a name given by Thailand. This will be the second cyclone to form in October this year, following Cyclone Shakthi, which appeared near the Gujarat coast in the Arabian Sea. The IMD mentioned that the cyclone will pass through Andhra Pradesh between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam close to Kakinada on the evening or night of October 28, with wind speeds likely reaching 90-100 km/h, and gusts up to 110 km/h. Light to moderate rainfall has already begun in coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam, and it is expected to persist for the next five to six days. Additionally, Rayalaseema is anticipated to experience very heavy rain (over 210mm in 24 hours) on October 27 and 28, according to warnings from the IMD.
Andhra Pradesh frequently experiences cyclonic storms, particularly in October. Since 2006, some cyclones that have affected Andhra Pradesh include the ‘very severe’ Titli (which crossed near Palasa, Srikakulam on October 11, 2018), Kyant (which weakened off Andhra Pradesh in October 2016), Hudhud (which crossed over Visakhapatnam on October 12, 2014), and cyclone Ogni (which moved between Ongole and Machilipatnam on October 30, 2006). On Saturday morning, the depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal had shifted westward and was situated about 440 km west-southwest of Port Blair, 970 km southeast of Visakhapatnam, 970 km east-southeast of Chennai, 990 km southeast of Kakinada, and 1,040 km south-southeast of Gopalpur.
According to the IMD, the sea conditions along India's east coast are expected to become rough in the coming days. Winds traveling at speeds of 70-80 km/h gusting up to 90 km/h will affect the west central Bay of Bengal until October 29. Fishermen have been advised to avoid going into the sea after October 26, especially in the southeast Bay of Bengal.
