Cyclone Montha Weakens After Andhra Landfall, IMD Warns of Heavy Rains in Central and Northeast India

Cyclone Montha, which made landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast, has started to weaken but continues to bring widespread rain and strong winds. While the immediate threat of severe damage has reduced, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that heavy to very heavy rainfall will persist across several regions in the coming days, especially in parts of central and northeast India.

The cyclone crossed the coast near Kakinada late Monday night, bringing gusty winds, rough sea conditions, and continuous rain. Coastal areas experienced waterlogging and power disruptions, though major destruction was largely avoided due to timely evacuation and preparedness by state authorities. Fishermen have been advised to stay away from the sea until conditions fully stabilize.

As Montha moves inland, its strength has reduced to a deep depression, but the system still carries enough moisture to trigger intense rainfall over Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and eastern Madhya Pradesh. The IMD also expects the weather system to influence the northeastern states, leading to heavy showers in Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh over the next 48 hours.

Local administrations in several districts have been put on alert. Disaster management teams are monitoring river levels and drainage systems to prevent flooding in low-lying areas. Schools in vulnerable regions have been advised to remain closed temporarily, and emergency control rooms are functioning round the clock to assist citizens.

In Andhra Pradesh, normalcy is gradually returning as wind speeds drop and rains begin to ease. However, the focus is shifting to secondary impacts—such as waterlogging, crop damage, and disrupted transport. Farmers in rain-fed regions are being urged to take precautions as excess rainfall may affect standing crops, especially paddy and pulses.

For central India, the next few days are crucial. IMD’s latest updates suggest that isolated areas could receive extremely heavy rainfall, which may lead to flash floods or landslides in hilly zones. Urban centers are also being advised to prepare for traffic disruptions and possible power outages.

Cyclone Montha serves as another reminder of how weather systems are becoming increasingly unpredictable. While the worst appears to be over for Andhra Pradesh, the extended rain forecast means other regions must remain vigilant. The weakening storm may no longer be destructive, but its aftereffects will test the preparedness and resilience of communities across central and northeastern India in the days ahead.