Cylone Montha: Vizag gearing up to handle the storm

Keeping in mind the severity of the impending cyclonic storm Montha brewing over the Bay of Bengal, people have been barred from visiting the beaches in Visakhapatnam, as the sea was rough along the coast and a steady sea surge was observed on Monday morning (October 27, 2025). The storm is likely to make its landfall near Kakinada coast on October 28.

The Visakhapatnam City Police Commissionerate has deployed security personnel and swimmers, especially at RK Beach, Rushikonda Beach, Yarada and Bhimili beaches as part of security measures.

On the other hand, the formation of Cyclone Montha brought back memories of the 2014 Hudhud cyclone that hit the Visakhapatnam city on October 12, 2014. The city suffered an estimated loss of ₹21,000 crore then.

Keeping in mind the memories of the Hudhud cyclone, people have started stocking up on all essential commodities due to the possible shortage of petrol, diesel, milk, water and cooking oil, and pulses. Panic buying was seen at government Rythu Bazaars (farmers’ market), for vegetables.

Residents, recalling the week-long power and communication disruption, have started to stockpile food, fuel and medicines.

“We don’t want another Hudhud-like situation. Our apartment association has arranged diesel for generators and stored drinking water,” said B. Vijaya Lakshmi, president of Sai Oak Dale Apartments in Visakhapatnam, after observing the situation of Cyclone Montha.

“Due to the rush of visitors, tomatoes were sold at ₹30 per kg. The stock of tomatoes has reduced slightly as lorries have not arrived. Normalcy will return to the Rythu Bazaars after the cyclone subsides,” said an official of the Rythu Baazar in Gajuwaka zone told The Hindu on Monday (October 27).

However, on the other hand, the cyclone is unlikely to hit the Visakhapatnam coast like Cyclone Hudhud, but there will be rainfall and winds of 50 to 60 kmh during landfall, officials said. This is because the cyclone is likely to cross the coast near Kakinada, but Visakhapatnam will face its impact, said the weatherman at Cyclone Warning Centre.