The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for parts of Telangana as the tropical system previously known as Cyclone Montha continues to influence weather patterns across eastern and central India. Though the system has weakened into a deep depression, heavy rainfall and associated thunderstorms remain a major concern for multiple states.
In Telangana, districts including Rajanna Sircilla, Karimnagar, Mahabubabad, Warangal, Hanumakonda, Jangaon, Siddipet and Yadadri Bhuvanagiri face “very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall” under the red alert. Residents are also warned of thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds up to 40-50 km/h in these zones. Orange and yellow warnings have been declared for surrounding districts where heavy and moderate rain are expected.
In West Bengal, a three-day spell of intense rainfall is expected, with coastal and southern districts already experiencing heavy showers. From October 30 onwards the rain-zone will shift inland, affecting Purulia, Birbhum, Murshidabad, Paschim Bardhaman and by October 31, the Northern Bengal region including Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong, Cooch Behar, Darjeeling and Alipurduar will see heavy to very heavy rain.
Andhra Pradesh has been placed under orange alert for heavy rainfall in districts including Prakasam, SPSR Nellore, Guntur, Palnadu, NTR, Bapatla, Krishna, West Godavari, Eluru, Alluri Sitharama Raju, Srikakulam and Parvathipuram Manyam, with nearby areas under yellow alerts.
Other states are not out of the danger zone. Bihar and Jharkhand are forecast to see persistent rain through Thursday. Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim could experience rainfall from October 30 to November 1. Odisha, East Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh and parts of Gujarat are also expected to receive showers and isolated heavy rain.
Cyclone Montha, which made landfall and moved inland, has now weakened significantly but is still causing widespread rain and disruption. Its centre on October 29 was near latitude 19.6° N and longitude 80.7° E, over coastal Andhra Pradesh and adjoining Telangana. The system is forecast to track northwards towards south Chhattisgarh and further weaken into a well-marked low-pressure area in the coming hours.
The situation presents a clear warning for communities, local administrations and disaster-response agencies to remain alert and proactive. With heavy rainfall likely to trigger flash floods, landslides and urban water-logging—especially in vulnerable districts—the IMD alert should be taken seriously.
Residents in affected areas are advised to stay indoors when warned of thunderstorms, avoid travel on flooded roads, secure loose objects, beware of falling trees, and follow official instructions. Local authorities should ensure evacuation plans are ready, drainage systems are cleared, and shelters are operational.
As the weather system weakens gradually, the rainfall risk will reduce by November 1 in many areas. However, the next 48-72 hours remain critical for emergency preparedness and monitoring.
