New Delhi, Oct 28 (V7N)- The powerful cyclone ‘Mantha’ is steadily approaching the Andhra Pradesh and Odisha coasts, moving northward from the Bay of Bengal, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The IMD has warned that the cyclone may make landfall late tonight (local time), with wind speeds ranging between 90 and 110 kilometers per hour. Authorities have issued red alerts across multiple districts as heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Medinipur, and 24 Parganas over the weekend.

IMD Director General Dr. M. Spokesperson stated that Andhra Pradesh will be the most affected, followed by Odisha and Chhattisgarh. He added that heavy rains will continue across Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Tamil Nadu from October 28 to 30.

“‘Mantha’ will hit the Andhra Pradesh coast as a severe cyclonic storm with maximum wind speeds of up to 100 kmph. After landfall, it will gradually weaken while moving toward Odisha,” he said.

In response to the warning, schools and colleges have been closed in vulnerable areas, and fishing in the sea has been banned until Thursday as a precautionary measure.

END/SMA/AJ