Cyclone Montha Live Updates: Flights, Trains Cancelled, Schools Closed as 3 States on Red Alert
Cyclone Montha, now a “very severe cyclonic storm,” is set to hit India’s eastern coast within 24 hours, prompting Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal to enforce emergency measures. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) warns of 150 kmph winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges, leading to mass evacuations and travel chaos.
States on Red Alert: Evacuations Underway
The IMD’s red alert covers coastal districts of three states, with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) deploying 50+ teams. Key updates:
Odisha
- 1.2 lakh evacuated from Ganjam, Puri, Jagatsinghpur.
- Cyclone shelters activated; fishing banned.
Andhra Pradesh
- High alert in Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam.
- Relief camps set up; coastal activities halted.
West Bengal
- Sundarbans on high risk; ferries suspended.
- Preemptive evacuations in low-lying areas.
Transport Chaos: Flights, Trains Cancelled
Flight Disruptions
- 80+ flights axed in Bhubaneswar, Visakhapatnam, Kolkata.
- Passengers urged to check airline updates.
Train Services Hit
- 150+ trains cancelled/diverted, including Howrah-Chennai, Bhubaneswar-Delhi routes.
- Railway control rooms operational for updates.
Road Safety
- Coastal highways may close if winds exceed limits.
Precautionary Steps: Schools Shut, Health Alerts Issued
- Schools/colleges closed for 2 days in affected areas.
- Hospitals on standby; medicines stockpiled for waterborne diseases.
- Power companies prepare for outages; mobile networks may falter.
Lessons from Past Cyclones
Improved early warnings (like Cyclone Fani in 2019) have cut casualties. This time, IMD’s real-time tracking and SMS alerts aim to save lives.
What’s Next?
- Landfall expected within 24 hours; heavy rain may spread to Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh.
- Public advisory: Stay indoors, avoid coasts, stock essentials.
(Image: IMD satellite map of Cyclone Montha’s path)
