Post by : Rameen Ariff

As Cyclone Montha moves closer to India’s eastern coastline, major disruptions have been reported across air and rail travel. The powerful storm has forced the cancellation of several Air India and IndiGo flights, along with more than 65 train services, as Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu brace for heavy rainfall, strong winds, and potential flooding.

The impact of Cyclone Montha is being felt most in coastal Andhra Pradesh, where railway authorities have halted or diverted multiple train routes passing through Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, Kakinada, and Visakhapatnam. Officials confirmed that passenger safety remains the top priority, with emergency control rooms set up to monitor the situation continuously.

Meanwhile, the aviation sector has been hit hard. Several flights from Visakhapatnam Airport were canceled or rescheduled due to poor weather and high wind speeds caused by Cyclone Montha. Airlines have advised passengers to check updated schedules before heading to airports, as conditions may worsen closer to landfall.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Montha is expected to make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam near Kakinada late Tuesday evening as a severe cyclonic storm. Wind speeds could reach up to 100 km/h, with gusts as high as 110 km/h. The IMD has also issued red alerts for several coastal districts, warning of intense rainfall, rough seas, and the risk of storm surges.

State governments in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha have already begun evacuation efforts, moving thousands of residents — including elderly citizens and pregnant women — to safer shelters. More than 25 teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed in vulnerable coastal regions to assist with relief operations and ensure safety.

Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors, avoid coastal areas, and follow official advisories. Fishermen have been warned not to venture into the sea as waves are expected to rise dramatically in the coming hours.

With Cyclone Montha closing in, transport services, businesses, and local administrations remain on high alert. The storm’s arrival is expected to test the preparedness and resilience of coastal communities once again, as India continues to face the growing challenges of severe weather linked to changing climate patterns.

#world news #Global News