Cyclone Montha: After a tense week of weather alerts and coastal preparedness, Cyclone Montha — which struck India’s eastern coast on October 28, 2025 — has now weakened significantly following landfall in Andhra Pradesh. Despite losing strength, its remnants continue to unleash heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and local flooding across parts of West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, and northeastern India.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed that the cyclone, which was initially classified as a severe cyclonic storm, has degraded into a well-marked low-pressure area as it moves inland. However, the lingering system remains moisture-heavy, posing risks of flash floods, waterlogging, and landslides — particularly in north Bengal and the hilly regions.
🌊 Formation and Path of Cyclone Montha
Cyclone Montha originated as a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal earlier this week. It gradually intensified under warm sea-surface temperatures and favourable wind patterns. The system made landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam along the Andhra coast late on October 28, with wind speeds reaching up to 110 km/h.
After hitting land, the cyclone moved north-northwestward, crossing southern Odisha before entering Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. By October 30, it had weakened into a low-pressure system, but its outer rain bands continued to impact West Bengal, resulting in widespread showers and thunderstorms across the state.
According to the IMD’s Kolkata Regional Meteorological Centre, the system will continue to affect the state till Saturday evening, especially the north Bengal districts of Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Darjeeling, and Cooch Behar.
🔗 For live updates, visit the official IMD page: https://mausam.imd.gov.in/
☔ Impact on West Bengal: Heavy Rains and Local Disruptions
Although West Bengal escaped a direct hit, the cyclone’s moisture-laden remnants have blanketed the state in heavy rainfall.
- South Bengal: Kolkata, Howrah, South 24 Parganas, and East Midnapore recorded moderate to heavy showers accompanied by thunder. The city witnessed intermittent rainfall since Wednesday night, measuring around 8 mm in Alipore within 24 hours.
- North Bengal: IMD issued orange alerts for Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Cooch Behar, warning of very heavy rainfall (7–20 cm) and possible landslides in hilly areas.
- Rivers and Drainage: The Subarnarekha, Jalangi, and Teesta rivers are flowing close to warning levels in several regions, prompting district administrations to keep rescue teams on alert.
- Agricultural Impact: Continuous rainfall may damage paddy, jute, and vegetable crops nearing harvest season, particularly in Murshidabad, Nadia, and North 24 Parganas.
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has deployed emergency teams to address waterlogging, particularly in Behala, Dum Dum, and Salt Lake sectors.
🔗 Follow WB Disaster Management updates: https://wbdmd.gov.in/
🌀 IMD Alerts and Forecasts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued the following warnings for West Bengal and nearby regions:
- Orange Alert (Heavy Rainfall): North Bengal districts — Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar.
- Yellow Alert (Moderate Rainfall): South Bengal districts — Kolkata, Hooghly, East Midnapore, and Nadia.
- Thunderstorm Warning: Isolated lightning and gusty winds (up to 50 km/h) likely over Gangetic Bengal.
The Bay of Bengal remains turbulent, with waves reaching 2.5–3 metres, leading to fishing restrictions along the coastal belts of East Midnapore and South 24 Parganas. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea until further notice.
🔗 IMD Cyclone Bulletin: https://rsmcnewdelhi.imd.gov.in/
🚨 Government and Administrative Response
The West Bengal government has activated control rooms in all coastal and hill districts to coordinate disaster management operations.
- NDRF and SDRF teams have been stationed in South 24 Parganas, Jalpaiguri, and Darjeeling.
- Electricity restoration units are on standby to address power outages due to fallen trees or waterlogging.
- The State Irrigation Department has started round-the-clock monitoring of river embankments, particularly in the Sundarbans delta.
- The Education Department has advised schools in heavy rainfall zones to suspend classes temporarily.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reviewed the situation through a high-level meeting with state officials, directing them to ensure that no loss of life or major property damage occurs. Relief materials, including tarpaulins, food grains, and medicine kits, have been pre-positioned in vulnerable areas.
🔗 Government of West Bengal Official Portal: https://wb.gov.in/
🌾 Economic and Agricultural Impacts
The cyclone’s passage has caused considerable agricultural stress, especially in the Gangetic plains of Bengal:
- Paddy and Jute Fields: Many farmers fear water stagnation may destroy crops ready for harvest.
- Vegetable Markets: Supply disruptions have caused price fluctuations in tomatoes, potatoes, and green chillies across Kolkata and suburban markets.
- Fisheries: The fishing ban along the coast has impacted over 20,000 fishermen, halting daily income temporarily.
Economists estimate that the state’s short-term agricultural loss could cross ₹150 crore, depending on the duration of the rainfall and floodwater drainage.
🔗 Agriculture Weather Updates: https://agricoop.nic.in/
🌍 Neighbouring States Also Affected
Cyclone Montha’s weakening core has spread widespread rainfall beyond Bengal:
- Odisha: Heavy downpour in Gajapati, Ganjam, and Rayagada districts; minor landslides reported.
- Bihar and Jharkhand: Heavy showers and strong winds in Ranchi, Hazaribagh, and Patna regions.
- Northeast India: Parts of Assam and Meghalaya likely to receive intense rainfall till Sunday.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and state agencies are on standby across all affected states to assist with rescue and relief operations if required.
🔗 National Disaster Management Authority: https://ndma.gov.in/
🧠 Climate Context: A Growing Pattern
Cyclone Montha’s behaviour — rapid intensification, followed by inland persistence — highlights India’s evolving climate risks. Experts note that:
- The Bay of Bengal has witnessed a 40% increase in pre- and post-monsoon cyclones over the past two decades.
- Rising sea-surface temperatures and moisture-rich air currents contribute to more unpredictable rainfall post-landfall.
- The prolonged impact over inland states like Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh mirrors recent storms such as Cyclone Yaas (2021) and Cyclone Mocha (2023).
Environmentalists argue that the frequency of such cyclones is a wake-up call for climate adaptation and urban drainage planning, particularly in Kolkata’s ageing stormwater systems and north Bengal’s fragile slopes.
🔗 Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology: https://www.tropmet.res.in/
🏠 Safety Advisory for Citizens
Authorities have urged citizens to remain cautious until conditions stabilise:
- Avoid unnecessary travel, especially in flood-prone or hilly areas.
- Keep emergency kits ready, including torches, batteries, drinking water, and first aid.
- Stay indoors during thunderstorms and avoid contact with electrical poles or waterlogged streets.
- Do not attempt to cross flooded roads or streams.
- Follow official updates only from IMD and state departments.
🔗 Disaster Preparedness Guide: https://ndma.gov.in/en/floods
🌤️ Forecast: What Lies Ahead
According to the latest IMD update, the remnants of Montha will continue to cause scattered rain till Saturday night, after which the weather is expected to gradually improve across southern Bengal.
- Sunday onward, skies are likely to clear, though humidity may rise sharply due to lingering moisture.
- North Bengal, however, may continue to experience intermittent rain due to the interaction of the weakening system with Himalayan air currents.
Meteorologists predict that another low-pressure system may form over the Andaman Sea by mid-November, though it is too early to determine its intensity.
🔗 Long-range forecast portal: https://mausam.imd.gov.in/imd_latest/contents/extended_forecast.php
📜 Conclusion: A Reminder of Preparedness
While Cyclone Montha may have lost its intensity, its aftermath serves as a reminder that post-landfall systems can still bring severe secondary impacts. West Bengal’s proactive response — timely warnings, disaster teams, and communication outreach — has so far prevented large-scale destruction.
As Bengal transitions into November, a period of relatively stable weather is expected. However, with climate patterns changing rapidly, the state’s coastal and hill ecosystems remain under threat. The need for sustainable drainage, better coastal defences, and disaster education has never been more urgent.
For now, residents can look forward to improving weather by Sunday — but remain cautious, prepared, and informed.
🔗 External Reference Links (Official and Verified Sources)
- India Meteorological Department (IMD): https://mausam.imd.gov.in/
- West Bengal Disaster Management Department: https://wbdmd.gov.in/
- Government of West Bengal: https://wb.gov.in/
- National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): https://ndma.gov.in/
- Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology: https://www.tropmet.res.in/
- Agriculture Ministry – Crop Weather Advisory: https://agricoop.nic.in/
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