India, Oct. 27 -- The North Indian Ocean region is currently hyperactive with two cyclonic systems on either side of the Indian subcontinent. Cyclone Montha (pronounced Mon-Tha) in the Bay of Bengal has intensified faster than expected. The depression in the Arabian Sea (which formed on October 22) has neither dissipated nor intensified, with a possible track that could bring it towards the western coast of India.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in its latest tropical cyclone update (October 27, 12 noon) via SMS stated that "Cyclonic Storm Montha over SW (southwest) & adj (adjacent) WC (westcentral) Bay of Bengal moved NNW (north-northwestwards) at 18 kmph, 520 km ESE (east-southeast) of Chennai. Likely to intensify into a seve...