Indian Army on high alert as cyclone ‘Montha’ intensifies over Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal

The Indian Army has been placed on high alert in view of the developing cyclonic systems over both the East Central Arabian Sea and the South East Bay of Bengal, which are expected to intensify over the next 48 hours into Cyclone “Montha”.

Also read: Cyclone Montha LIVE updates on October 26, 2025

The situation is being closely monitored in coordination with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and respective state governments.

According to the Indian Army, as of 5:30 a.m. on Sunday (October 26, 2025), two active weather systems have been observed.

The first, a depression over the East Central Arabian Sea, lies about 700 km west-southwest of Mumbai, 760 km west of Panjim (Goa), 880 km northwest of Lakshadweep, and 960 km west-northeast of Mangalore. The system is likely to move westwards across the Arabian Sea during the next 24 hours.

The second, a deep depression over the Southeast Bay of Bengal, is positioned around 610 km west of Port Blair, 790 km east-southeast of Chennai, 850 km south-southeast of Visakhapatnam, and 950 km south-southeast of Gopalpur (Odisha). The IMD said it is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm within the next 24 hours and further strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm by October 28, while moving northwestwards.

Forecast models indicate that the system may impact coastal Andhra Pradesh, particularly the Machilipatnam–Kakinada stretch, on the evening or night of October 28, with maximum sustained winds of 90–100 kmph, gusting up to 110 kmph. Coastal Odisha and Tamil Nadu are also likely to experience strong winds and heavy rainfall during the period.

It was further informed that in view of the impending weather threat, the Indian Army has activated its Disaster Response Columns (DRCs) across all likely affected areas to ensure rapid deployment and close coordination with the civil administration and NDMA.

The Army’s operational and logistics control rooms are maintaining round-the-clock monitoring in coordination with NDMA, state disaster management authorities, and the Indian Meteorological Department.

Liaison has also been established with civil administration and Coast Guard authorities to facilitate timely evacuation, relief, and rescue operations, if required.

Officials said the Indian Army remains fully prepared to provide Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) to citizens in any eventuality arising from Cyclone “Montha”.