New Delhi, Oct 26 (UNI) 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.
The Army spokesperson stated that in the early morning hours, today, two active weather systems have been observed including depression over east central Arabian Sea and deep depression over southeast Bay of Bengal. While the east central Arabian Sea 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.
Further the deep depression over southeast Bay of Bengal, 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 while moving northwestwards.
The system is projected to impact coastal Andhra Pradesh, particularly the stretch between Machilipatnam and Kakinada, on the evening/night of 28 October 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, the statement read.
The Indian Army has activated its Disaster Response Columns (DRCs) across all regions likely to be affected, ensuring swift deployment in coordination with state administrations and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). Dedicated and reserve columns have been positioned strategically in various states and union Territories, including Karnataka with 8 dedicated and 9 reserve columns, Kerala with 6 dedicated and 7 reserve columns, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana with 10 dedicated and 7 reserve columns, Tamil Nadu with 7 dedicated and 8 reserve columns, Lakshadweep and Minicoy Islands with 1 dedicated and 1 reserve column and West Bengal with 7 dedicated columns.
This proactive deployment underscores the Army’s preparedness to provide rapid assistance in the event of natural disasters.
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 IMD. Necessary liaison has been established with civil administration and Coast Guard authorities to ensure timely evacuation, relief, and rescue measures, if required.
