A red alert has been issued in parts of Andhra Pradesh as Cyclone Montha moves closer to the Indian coast. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the cyclone is likely to become a severe cyclonic storm by Tuesday, October 28, and is expected to make landfall near Kakinada on Tuesday evening or night.
The storm formed over the Bay of Bengal and is moving toward the east and southeast coast of India. The IMD has also warned of heavy rainfall in several states — Odisha, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.
As a safety measure, schools have been closed for two days in Visakhapatnam, Anakapalle, and West Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh.
In Tamil Nadu, an orange alert has been issued for districts like Chennai, Tiruvallur, and Ranipet as the cyclone moves closer to the coast.
Authorities have advised people to stay indoors and avoid going near the sea. Lifeguards in Odisha have also urged visitors not to go too deep into the water.
The government has started emergency and disaster management preparations to deal with the possible impact of the storm.
