PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, Oct 28: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a series of weather alerts for Jharkhand as cyclonic storm Montha, currently intensifying over the Bay of Bengal, moves steadily towards the Andhra Pradesh coast.
According to the IMD, the system is presently centred over the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal. It is expected to make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada, by the evening or night of Tuesday, October 28. The storm is moving in a north-northwesterly direction.
Rainfall and Thunderstorm Forecast for Jharkhand
The IMD has forecast moderate to heavy rainfall across several parts of Jharkhand from October 28 to 31, with isolated areas likely to experience intense weather activity.
Forecast Details:
October 28:
Heavy rainfall is likely at isolated locations in the southwestern districts. Thunderstorms and lightning accompanied by gusty winds (30–40 km/h) are expected at scattered places across the state.
October 29:
Heavy rainfall is likely over the southwestern and adjoining central parts of Jharkhand. Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds are expected to continue in isolated areas.
October 30:
Heavy to very heavy rainfall may occur in isolated places across northwestern Jharkhand, while central regions are also expected to receive heavy rain. Thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds (30–40 km/h) are likely at several locations.
October 31:
Heavy rainfall is likely over the northeastern parts of the state, with continued chances of thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds elsewhere.
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IMD Advisory and Precautionary Measures
The IMD has urged residents and local authorities to remain vigilant, particularly in Simdega, West Singhbhum, Gumla, Ranchi, Khunti, Lohardaga, Latehar, Garhwa, Palamu, and Chatra, where the cyclone’s outer bands could trigger heavy downpours and strong winds.
People have been advised to stay indoors during thunderstorms and heavy rain, avoid open areas during lightning activity, and secure loose outdoor objects.
Farmers have been cautioned to delay harvesting and take preventive measures to protect standing crops from potential damage caused by gusty winds.
Disaster management authorities and district administrations across southern and central Jharkhand have been placed on high alert, with emergency response teams prepared to tackle any situation that may arise.
As Cyclone Montha continues its path toward the Andhra coast, its peripheral influence is expected to enhance rainfall activity across Jharkhand over the next few days.
