Hyderabad Braces for Cyclone Montha

A deep depression over the southern Bay of Bengal region has intensified into a cyclone, prompting urgent alerts across coastal Andhra Pradesh and even for the inland states like Telangana. “Cyclone Montha”, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for the Andhra coastline, especially the regions between Kakinada and Machilipatnam. Where it is expected to make landfall tonight. 

While Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana, lies well inland, the city and the broader Telangana region are not unaffected. An orange alert has been declared for several Telangana districts for October 28th and 29th, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall and gusty winds as Montha’s moisture feeder bands sweep in.

Local authorities in Hyderabad have emphasized the need for residents to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary, avoid venturing into low-lying or flood-prone areas, and keep emergency kits and mobile phone batteries charged. With the cyclone’s outer circle expanding, officials warn of possible power outages, water-logging in urban drains, and travel delays.

Due to Cyclone Montha’s landfall, Hyderabad and nearby districts like Rangareddy, Vikarabad, Sangareddy, and Medak are set to receive moderate to heavy rains at late night and then very heavy rains in early morning. Rains will start from Qutbullapur, Kukatpally, and Serilingampally before spreading citywide. Intense downpours are also expected across Nalgonda, Mahabubnagar, Suryapet, Khammam, and Bhadradri-Kothagudem. Residents should stay alert and plan travel carefully.

On the coast, preparations are in full swing. Ports have been placed on high alert, fishing operations have been suspended, and thousands of residents from vulnerable zones have been evacuated in advance of the anticipated 90–110 km/h winds and torrential rain.

For Hyderabad, the key risks stem from rainfall caused by the residual effects of the system rather than direct wind impacts. The hilly terrain and urban drainage systems will be tested if the storm’s rain-bands persist. Municipal authorities and transport services are standing by in case of any untoward incidents.