Cyclone Montha has intensified into a severe storm and is expected to make landfall near Kakinada on Tuesday night, bringing winds up to 110 kmph and heavy rain across Andhra’s coast. Over 1,400 villages may be affected as authorities activate relief measures.
The cyclone, with wind speeds expected to reach up to 120 kmph (75 mph), is likely to hit between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra Port in Odisha by early Friday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.