Patna: The impact of Cyclone Montha has begun to unfold across Bihar, prompting the cancellation of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s public rally in Chhapra as rain and gusty winds sweep through the state.
Since Wednesday morning, light to moderate rainfall has been reported in 12 districts, including Patna, Gopalganj, Nalanda, Supaul, Bhagalpur, Ara, Chapra, and Lakhisarai. Heavy showers were recorded in Banka by evening, signalling the cyclone’s growing influence over the region’s weather.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone, which formed over the Bay of Bengal and made landfall near Machilipatnam on Tuesday morning, is moving northwards after weakening into a low-pressure system. As it advances through Odisha and Chhattisgarh toward Jharkhand and Bihar, it is expected to bring widespread rainfall.
A red alert has been issued for seven districts on October 30, warning of heavy to very heavy rain, while five districts—including Patna—are likely to experience downpours on October 31. Wind speeds of 30–40 km/h and the risk of lightning have also been forecast across several areas.
Meteorologists said Cyclone Montha, whose name was given by Thailand and means “fragrant flower,” had initially packed winds of 100–110 km/h along the Andhra Pradesh coast before weakening. Rain and gusty winds have also affected coastal parts of Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Odisha since Tuesday.
The IMD has warned of possible waterlogging in low-lying areas and rising river levels, urging residents to remain alert and follow official advisories. A mild drop in temperature and a slight chill in the air are also expected after the rains subside.
Farmers have been advised to harvest ripened Kharif crops early and store them safely. The department has also urged them to cover grains kept outdoors and to postpone irrigation for vegetable crops for a few days. People have been cautioned against standing near trees or electric poles during thunderstorms and advised to limit the use of mobile phones and electrical devices during lightning activity.
