Cyclone Alert: IMD Warns of Depression over Bay of Bengal Likely to Become Cyclonic Storm ‘Montha’

Chennai, Oct 2025: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday confirmed that a well-marked low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal has intensified into a depression and is likely to develop into a cyclonic storm, to be named Montha, within the next 48 hours.

In response, cyclone warning signal number one has been hoisted at nine major ports across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry as authorities step up precautionary measures. The depression is currently centred about 990 kilometres southeast of Chennai and is expected to move west-northwestward, intensifying further into a deep depression by Sunday.

According to the IMD, the system is likely to strengthen into a cyclonic storm over the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal by Monday, October 27, before heading towards the Andhra Pradesh coast. The storm may make landfall between Machilipatnam and Visakhapatnam early next week.

Meanwhile, another depression has formed over the Arabian Sea and is moving north-northwest at around seven kilometres per hour. It is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm by Sunday, prompting further vigilance along coastal areas.

The IMD has issued an orange alert for Tiruvallur, Chennai, and Ranipet districts, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall on Monday. Light to moderate rain, accompanied by thunder and lightning, is expected across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal until October 28 as the northeast monsoon, which commenced on October 16, continues to be active.

Ports at Chennai, Ennore (Kamarajar), Kattupalli, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, Puducherry, Karaikal, Thoothukudi (VO Chidambaranar), and Pamban have hoisted the first-level cyclone warning signal. Port authorities confirmed that while ship movements are currently safe and normal, continuous monitoring is being carried out to ensure maritime safety.

Fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the sea along the Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and central-west coasts until Monday due to rough and turbulent sea conditions.

The Tamil Nadu Disaster Management Authority (TNDMA) has instructed district administrations to remain on high alert, particularly in coastal areas that experienced flooding and wind damage during last week’s monsoon rains. Emergency teams and relief centres have been kept on standby as the system intensifies over the Bay of Bengal, ensuring preparedness to respond swiftly to any eventuality.

Residents in vulnerable areas have been urged to follow official advisories, avoid unnecessary travel, and take all necessary precautions as the cyclone develops and approaches the eastern coast.