IMD Issues Red Alert for Telangana as Cyclone Montha Brings Threat of Extremely Heavy Rainfall
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has escalated warnings by issuing a red alert for several districts in Telangana, forecasting extremely heavy rainfall under the influence of the weakening Cyclone Montha. As the storm system moves inland, it continues to pose a significant threat of widespread rainfall, with alerts also active for West Bengal, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, and other eastern and central states.
Highest Alert: Telangana Braces for Impact
The IMD red alert—the highest level of weather warning—is in effect for key districts in Telangana, including Rajanna Sircilla, Karimnagar, Mahabubabad, Warangal, Hanumakonda, Jangaon, Siddipet, and Yadadri Bhuvanagiri. These areas are expected to receive very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, which could exceed 20 cm in 24 hours in isolated places.
The severe weather will be accompanied by thunderstorms, frequent lightning strikes, and gusty winds reaching 40–50 km/h. The IMD has also issued an orange alert for districts like Komuram Bheem Asifabad, Adilabad, and Nirmal, indicating a lower but still significant risk of heavy to very heavy rain. A yellow watch is in place for several other districts, including Nizamabad and Khammam, urging residents to “be aware” of the situation.
Multi-Day Rainfall Event for West Bengal
The weather forecast for West Bengal predicts a three-day spell of persistent rainfall, progressing across the state:
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October 29: South Bengal districts, including South and North 24 Parganas and East and West Medinipur, will experience light to moderate rain with isolated heavy showers and gusts up to 55 km/h.
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October 30: The active rain zone is expected to shift inland to districts like Purulia, Birbhum, and Murshidabad.
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October 31: The focus will move to North Bengal, with heavy to very heavy rainfall likely in Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong, Cooch Behar, and Darjeeling.
Weather conditions are expected to improve from November 1 onwards, with skies gradually clearing.
Widespread Warnings Across Multiple States
The ripple effects of the cyclonic system are being felt across a wide region:
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Andhra Pradesh: An orange alert has been issued for districts including Prakasam, SPSR Nellore, Guntur, and Krishna.
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Other States: Heavy rainfall warnings are also in effect for Bihar and Jharkhand (Oct 30-31), Odisha (Oct 29), and East Madhya Pradesh (Oct 29-30). Isolated very heavy rain is also likely in Marathwada and Saurashtra & Kutch till October 31.
Cyclone Montha: Latest Update and Track
Cyclone Montha has weakened into a deep depression after making landfall off the Andhra coast. As of the evening of October 29, the system was centered near latitude 19.6°N and longitude 80.7°E, approximately 110 km southwest of Kanker. The IMD forecasts that the system will continue to move north-northwestwards across Chhattisgarh and Vidarbha, weakening further but continuing to pump moisture into the region.
Also Read: Cyclone Montha Slams Andhra Pradesh: Intense Rain and Flood Risk Loom Large
Safety Advisory: What You Need to Do
A red alert signifies a high risk of weather-related damage. Residents in the affected areas, especially in low-lying regions, are strongly advised to:
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Avoid venturing into water-logged areas or crossing flooded streams.
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Secure loose outdoor objects and stay indoors during gusty winds and lightning.
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Stay away from vulnerable structures, trees, and power lines.
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Follow official weather bulletins and advisories from local authorities.
Summary
In summary, the remnants of Cyclone Montha are unleashing a severe weather phase across east-central India, bringing widespread rain and thunderstorms. Authorities have issued a red alert for Telangana, where several districts are expected to experience intense downpours, strong winds, and potential flooding. Heavy rainfall warnings have also been extended to West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, and Bihar, raising concerns about waterlogging, power outages, and transport disruptions. Residents are strongly advised to stay indoors, follow official updates, and take precautionary measures to ensure safety as the system continues to move inland, influencing weather patterns over the next few days.
