Cyclone Montha: Causes, Impact, and Disaster Management Lessons for UPSC/JKAS Aspirants

Introduction – What is Cyclone Montha?

Cyclone Montha is a recent tropical cyclone that formed over the Bay of Bengal, once again reminding India of the increasing frequency and intensity of cyclonic events in the Indian Ocean region. Classified as a severe cyclonic storm by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Montha brought heavy rainfall, strong winds, and widespread coastal disruptions across several eastern coastal states.

From a geographical and governance perspective, Cyclone Montha is significant for UPSC and JKAS aspirants, as it directly connects topics from Physical Geography (Climatology and Ocean Currents) to Disaster Management (GS Paper III). The event provides valuable insights into:

• The formation and movement of tropical cyclones,
• The role of early warning systems and government response mechanisms, and
• The importance of building climate-resilient infrastructure and communities.

Moreover, Cyclone Montha exemplifies the challenges posed by climate change, urban vulnerability, and coastal population density, making it a relevant case study for both Prelims factual questions and Mains analytical answers in the UPSC/JKAS syllabus.

Origin and Naming of Cyclone Montha

The name “Montha” was assigned to the cyclone following the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones naming system, which includes 13 member countries from the North Indian Ocean region — such as India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Oman, Pakistan, and Thailand.

Who Named Cyclone Montha?

• The name “Montha” was contributed by Thailand, according to the pre-approved list maintained by the Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre (RSMC) – IMD, New Delhi.
• Montha in Thai language refers to a beautiful flower — symbolizing nature, renewal, and resilience.
• Each country in the panel submits a list of names in advance, which are used sequentially as cyclones form in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea.
• The purpose of naming is to ensure easy identification, effective communication, and public awareness during disaster management.

Meaning and Significance

• “Montha” in the Thai language refers to a flower — symbolizing nature, renewal, and resilience, which ironically contrasts the destruction caused by such natural events.
• This reflects the cultural inclusivity and regional cooperation behind the cyclone naming system adopted in South and Southeast Asia.

UPSC/JKAS Relevance

• Prelims:
  • Question may be framed on “Who names cyclones in the North Indian Ocean?” or “Which country proposed the name Montha?”
• Mains (GS Paper I & III):
  • Useful under topics of Climatology (Tropical Cyclones) and Disaster Management.
  • Shows regional cooperation in meteorology and India’s role as RSMC for the region.

Meteorological Background of Cyclone Montha

Cyclone Montha originated over the west-central Bay of Bengal , before moving northwestward, an area known for frequent tropical storm formation due to high sea surface temperatures and favorable atmospheric conditions. The system initially developed as a low-pressure area, which gradually intensified into a depression and later evolved into a severe cyclonic storm, as classified by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Meteorologically, its development was influenced by a combination of factors such as:

• High sea surface temperature (above 27°C), providing the necessary latent heat for storm intensification.
• Low vertical wind shear, which allowed the cyclone’s vertical structure to remain intact.
• Strong Coriolis force in the mid-latitudes, helping the storm gain rotational momentum.
• High humidity in the lower and middle troposphere, fueling cloud formation and sustained convection.

Cyclone Montha followed a northwestward trajectory, eventually making landfall near the eastern coast of India, bringing intense rainfall, gale-force winds, and storm surges. Its movement and intensity were continuously tracked by IMD’s Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre (RSMC) using satellite data and Doppler Weather Radar (DWR).

Cyclone Classification by IMD

The India Meteorological Department classifies cyclones in the North Indian Ocean into categories based on maximum sustained wind speed:

• Depression: 31–49 km/h
• Deep Depression: 50–61 km/h
• Cyclonic Storm: 62–88 km/h
• Severe Cyclonic Storm: 89–117 km/h
• Very Severe Cyclonic Storm: 118–166 km/h
• Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm: 167–221 km/h
• Super Cyclone: 222 km/h or more

Cyclone Montha was categorized as a Severe Cyclonic Storm, placing it among the higher-intensity systems of the season.

UPSC/JKAS Relevance

• Important for Geography (Climatology, Ocean Currents, and Monsoon Systems).
• Links to GS Paper I and GS Paper III topics on Disaster Management and Climate Change.
• Can be cited in Mains answers or essays on environmental governance, mitigation, and preparedness.

Timeline and Path of Cyclone Montha

According to IMD’s preliminary bulletins, Cyclone Montha originated over the west-central Bay of Bengal in early October 2025, following a typical post-monsoon cyclogenesis pattern and evolving into a severe cyclonic storm before making landfall along India’s east coast. The timeline of its formation, intensification, and dissipation reflects the predictable yet dangerous nature of tropical cyclones in the North Indian Ocean basin.

Formation Stage

• Intensification and Path – describing its northwestward movement toward Andhra–Odisha coast.
• Landfall and Dissipation – mentioning weakening inland.
• The system gradually consolidated under favorable atmospheric dynamics—low wind shear and strong moisture content in the mid-troposphere.
• Within 48 hours, it intensified into a depression, then into a deep depression, and finally a cyclonic storm named Montha by the IMD.

Intensification and Movement

• As the system moved northwestwards, it intensified into a Severe Cyclonic Storm.
• The cyclone’s eye became well-defined, and wind speeds increased to over 100 km/h, accompanied by torrential rainfall.
• The IMD issued multiple red and orange alerts for coastal districts of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal.

Landfall and Dissipation

• The cyclone made landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada, on the night of 28–29 October 2025.
• It crossed as a “Severe Cyclonic Storm” with winds about 90–100 km/h, gusting up to ~110 km/h.
• Post landfall, the system weakened rapidly into a depression as it moved inland toward Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.
• By the third week of October 2025, it had dissipated, leaving behind widespread rainfall across eastern and central India.

UPSC/JKAS Relevance

• Important for Geography (Physical Geography – Climatology, Tropical Cyclones).
• Can be linked to Disaster Management (GS Paper III) in topics related to early warning, preparedness, and response.
• Useful for map-based questions, as UPSC often tests cyclone paths and affected regions.

Impact and Damage Caused by Cyclone Montha

Cyclone Montha caused multi-dimensional impacts — humanitarian, infrastructural, economic, and ecological — highlighting both the strengths and remaining gaps in India’s coastal disaster preparedness

Cyclone Montha had a significant humanitarian, economic, and environmental impact across India’s eastern coastal states. Despite advanced warning systems, the storm’s intensity, rainfall, and wind speeds caused large-scale disruption, particularly in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal. The cyclone once again emphasized the vulnerability of India’s coastal ecosystems and the need for resilient infrastructure.

Human and Social Impact

• Over 2 lakh people were evacuated from low-lying areas to relief camps and cyclone shelters ahead of landfall.
• Despite preparedness, several casualties and injuries were reported due to falling trees, electrocution, and building collapses.
• Communication and power lines were disrupted, cutting off connectivity in rural areas for several days.
• Health and sanitation challenges emerged post-cyclone, with risks of water-borne diseases in affected districts.
• Vulnerable communities such as fisherfolk and informal workers faced immediate livelihood losses.

Infrastructure and Economic Losses

• The cyclone caused severe damage to houses, roads, and public utilities, particularly in coastal blocks.
• Agriculture suffered heavily — especially paddy, coconut, and horticultural crops — due to saline water intrusion and flooding.
• Fisheries and port operations were halted, leading to losses in trade and exports.
• Preliminary estimates indicated economic losses running into thousands of crores, impacting state and local economies.

Environmental Consequences

• The mangrove ecosystems along the Odisha and West Bengal coasts sustained partial damage, reducing natural coastal protection.
• River deltas and estuaries experienced saline water intrusion, affecting soil fertility.
• The storm triggered local flooding and soil erosion, altering the geomorphology of some coastal stretches.
• Wildlife habitats, particularly in the Chilika Lake region, faced temporary ecological stress due to changes in salinity and sediment load.

UPSC/JKAS Relevance

• Connects directly with GS Paper I (Geography) and GS Paper III (Disaster Management, Environment, and Ecology).
• Useful for case study answers on climate resilience, environmental conservation, and community-based disaster response.
• Provides data and context for essay topics on “Natural Disasters and Development Planning” or “Climate Change and Vulnerability in Coastal India.”

Government and Disaster Response

The response to Cyclone Montha demonstrated India’s growing capacity in disaster risk reduction, forecasting, and inter-agency coordination. The combined efforts of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and state governments significantly reduced casualties compared to earlier cyclones of similar intensity.

Early Warning Systems and Forecasting

• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued timely forecasts nearly five days in advance, tracking Montha’s intensification through satellite imagery and Doppler Weather Radar.
• The use of Dynamic Weather Models (such as ECMWF and GFS) improved accuracy in predicting landfall location and intensity.
• Alerts were disseminated through mass media, mobile SMS alerts, and district disaster portals, enabling early evacuation and preparedness at the community level.

Evacuation and Relief Operations

• Reports say authorities evacuated tens of thousands (e.g., ~38,000 in Andhra plus ~32,000 in Odisha) before/during landfall.
• The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Forces (SDRFs) were pre-deployed for rescue and relief operations.
• Fishermen advisories were issued, ensuring minimal casualties at sea.
• After landfall, restoration teams worked rapidly to clear roads, restore electricity, and supply clean drinking water to affected villages.

Role of Central and State Governments

• The Union Home Ministry monitored the situation through the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC).
• The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and Cabinet Secretariat coordinated with coastal state administrations for relief distribution.
• State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) activated control rooms and ensured real-time coordination with local administrations.
• Financial assistance was released under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) for immediate relief and rehabilitation.

UPSC/JKAS Relevance

• Illustrates the multi-tier structure of disaster governance — from IMD forecasting to NDMA coordination.
• Fits under GS Paper III (Disaster Management and Internal Security) and GS Paper II (Governance and Federal Cooperation).
• Can be cited as a case study on effective disaster preparedness and mitigation in India.

Preparedness, Resilience and Lessons Learned from Cyclone Montha

Cyclone Montha reaffirmed that while India’s forecasting and evacuation mechanisms have improved remarkably, long-term resilience still requires investment in infrastructure, community awareness, and environmental sustainability. The disaster served as both a test and a lesson in India’s evolving approach toward climate adaptation and disaster management.

Strengthening Structural and Non-Structural Measures

• The event emphasized the need for cyclone-resilient housing, especially in coastal blocks and rural areas.
• Expanding multi-purpose cyclone shelters, elevated roads, and stormwater drainage systems must become part of district development plans.
• Non-structural measures such as land-use zoning, building code enforcement, and environmental buffers (mangroves, wetlands) are vital to reduce future risks.
• Integration of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) strategies with Smart City and Coastal Mission projects can strengthen long-term preparedness.

Role of Technology and Data Systems

• Enhanced use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Remote Sensing improved early tracking and impact mapping.
• Digital dashboards and GIS-based disaster portals enabled quick coordination among central and state agencies.
• Crowdsourced data through apps and social media also helped monitor flood levels and blocked routes in real time.
• These examples show India’s growing capacity in data-driven disaster management.

Community-Based Resilience

• Local communities, self-help groups, and Panchayati Raj institutions played an active role in evacuation and relief distribution.
• The cyclone showed how local disaster volunteers and youth networks can complement state agencies.
• Strengthening community awareness programs and school-level disaster education ensures better preparedness at the grassroots level.

Key Lessons for Future Preparedness

• Need to focus on climate-resilient infrastructure and nature-based solutions.
• Inter-state coordination during multi-state cyclones must be improved through a common response framework.
• Post-disaster livelihood rehabilitation, especially for farmers and fishermen, should be prioritized.
• Continuous review of SOPs under NDMA guidelines is essential to minimize response delays in future cyclones.

UPSC/JKAS Relevance

• Links to GS Paper III (Environment, Disaster Management, and Climate Change).
• Useful for case studies in ethics papers (on duty, coordination, and compassion during disasters).
• Can be quoted in essay topics like “Building a Resilient India” or “Technology and Climate Adaptation.”

Conclusion and Way Forward

Cyclone Montha stands as a reminder that while India’s forecasting accuracy and emergency preparedness have improved substantially, the growing intensity and frequency of such cyclones demand a long-term climate resilience strategy. The experience underscores that disaster management is not just about response, but about preparedness, prevention, and sustainable planning.

Towards a Resilient Coastal India

• India must adopt a multi-layered resilience approach, combining infrastructure development, ecosystem protection, and social awareness.
• Implementation of Coastal Zone Management Plans (CZMPs) should prioritize mangrove restoration, dune stabilization, and buffer zones against storm surges.
• Community-based preparedness should be institutionalized through training, mock drills, and capacity-building programs in schools and Panchayats.

Integrating Climate Change Adaptation

• Cyclone Montha reinforces the link between climate change and extreme weather events in the Indian Ocean region.
• Policies under National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCC) should emphasize climate-resilient agriculture, coastal livelihoods, and early recovery systems.
• Strengthening collaborations between IMD, ISRO, NDMA, and global climate research institutes can enhance predictive capability and regional cooperation.

Policy Implications and Governance

• There is a need to institutionalize post-disaster audits to identify response gaps and improve coordination mechanisms.
• Local governments should integrate disaster management planning into District Development Plans (DDPs) and Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs).
• Enhanced funding and transparency under SDRF and NDRF will ensure faster recovery and equitable relief distribution.

Key Takeaways for Aspirants

• Cyclone Montha can be cited as a case study in answers related to disaster management, environmental resilience, or governance reforms.
• Demonstrates India’s transition from reactive disaster response to proactive risk reduction.
• Symbolizes the importance of technology, inter-agency coordination, and community participation in saving lives and sustaining development.

In Summary

Cyclone Montha highlights that resilience is not built overnight — it is the outcome of consistent investment in human capacity, environmental protection, and institutional learning. For India, this event reaffirms the urgent need to align disaster risk reduction with sustainable development goals (SDGs) and climate adaptation frameworks, ensuring that the next cyclone finds the nation stronger, safer, and better prepared.