New Delhi, Oct 26 (JKNS): 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”.
The situation is being closely monitored in coordination with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and respective state governments.
Current Meteorological Situation, As of 0530 hours on 26 October 2025, two active weather systems have been observed:
1. Depression over East Central Arabian Sea
The depression currently 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. It is likely to move westwards across the East Central Arabian Sea during the next 24 hours.
2. Deep Depression over Southeast Bay of Bengal
The system lies approximately 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). It is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm over the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal within the next 24 hours, and further strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm by 28 October 2025 while moving northwestwards.
Likely Impact Areas
The system is projected to impact coastal Andhra Pradesh, particularly the stretch between Machilipatnam and Kakinada, on the evening/night of 28 October 2025 as a severe cyclonic storm 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 this period.
Indian Army Readiness
The Indian Army has activated its Disaster Response Columns (DRCs) in all likely affected areas, ensuring rapid deployment capability in coordination with civil administration and NDMA.
State / UT Dedicated Columns (D) Reserve Columns (R)
Karnataka 08 09
Kerala 06 07
Andhra Pradesh & Telangana 10 07
Tamil Nadu 07 08
Lakshadweep & Minicoy Islands 01 01
West Bengal 07 –
Continuous Monitoring and Coordination
The situation is being continuously monitored by the Army’s operational and logistics control rooms in close coordination with NDMA, state disaster authorities, and the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).
Necessary liaison has been established with civil administration and Coast Guard authorities to ensure timely evacuation, relief, and rescue measures, if required.
The Indian Army remains fully prepared to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) to fellow citizens in any eventuality arising from Cyclone “MONTHA.”
