Naveen Patnaik Urges Calm and Preparedness as Cyclone ‘Montha’ Nears Odisha Coast

Bhubaneswar: As Cyclone Montha intensifies over the Bay of Bengal, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to parts of Odisha, Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik has appealed to the people to remain calm, prepared, and united in facing the approaching storm.

Patnaik, known for his effective disaster management during previous cyclones under BJD rule, assured citizens that Odisha has the strength and experience to handle such challenges. He urged the public to fully cooperate with the administration and strictly follow safety advisories issued by authorities.

“Cyclone Montha is approaching. We have bravely faced several cyclones in the past. Therefore, do not panic. Stay alert and support the administration. I request all BJD workers to stand with the people during this challenging time and extend all possible assistance. We have always overcome disasters together, and this time too, we will remain united,” Patnaik said in a video message on Tuesday.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Severe Cyclonic Storm Montha (pronounced Mon-tha) over the west-central Bay of Bengal moved north-northwestward at a speed of 12 kmph in the last six hours. As of 3:00 UTC on October 28, 2025, the system was centered near latitude 14.9°N and longitude 82.9°E — about 160 km south-southeast of Machilipatnam, 240 km south-southeast of Kakinada, 320 km south-southwest of Visakhapatnam, and 530 km south-southwest of Gopalpur.

The cyclone is expected to continue moving north-northwestward and make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada, between 1200 and 1800 UTC today (October 28) as a Severe Cyclonic Storm, with wind speeds reaching 90–100 kmph, gusting up to 110 kmph.

Authorities have advised residents in coastal areas of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh to stay indoors, avoid venturing near the sea, and follow all official instructions to ensure safety.