Archive · 1 Nov 2025
Cyclone Montha Disrupts Bihar Elections and Agriculture
A storm called Cyclone Montha brought a lot of wind and rain to a place in India called Bihar.
This bad weather made it hard for important leaders to travel for their election events, so many meetings were cancelled.
Some leaders even talked to people on their phones instead!
The rain also hurt the crops that farmers were growing, like rice, which worries them about getting enough food to sell.
The weather might get a little better soon, but it's still raining in some areas.
The rain also caused puddles on the roads, making it hard to drive, and sometimes the lights went out.
People are being told to stay inside and be careful until the storm passes.
Cyclone Montha's remnant caused strong winds and heavy rain in Bihar for three consecutive days.
Approximately 23 election rallies were cancelled or postponed on Friday due to the weather, affecting prominent political leaders.
The severe weather has caused significant damage to standing Kharif crops, particularly paddy.
Waterlogging has led to traffic disruptions, and power supply has been affected in some areas.
The Meteorological Department forecasts continued rain and strong winds on Saturday, with improvement expected from Sunday.
- Who
- Political leaders (Nitish Kumar, Tejashwi Yadav, J.P. Nadda, Jitan Ram Manjhi, Pawan Singh, Priyanka Gandhi), farmers, residents of Bihar, Meteorological Department, administration.
- What
- Disruption of political rallies and election campaigns, damage to Kharif crops, waterlogging, traffic and power disruptions, and temperature fluctuations due to severe weather.
- When
- Past three days (Friday, Saturday); expected improvement from Sunday; potential for continued chill for the next five days.
- Where
- Bihar, including Saharsa, Araria, Kishanganj, Purnea, Banka, and Valmiki Nagar.
- Why
- Impact of Cyclone Montha, causing strong winds and heavy rainfall.
Affected Individuals
Official Response/Outlook
Election Campaign Disruption
Affected Individuals
Political leaders are unable to conduct physical rallies and campaigns, with some resorting to addressing constituents via phone.
Official Response/Outlook
The weather is causing unavoidable cancellations and deferrals of election events, impacting the campaign schedule.
Agricultural Losses
Affected Individuals
Farmers are worried about significant damage to their Kharif crops, especially paddy, at the crucial harvest stage, potentially leading to lower yields.
Official Response/Outlook
While crops are being affected, the weather is expected to improve from Sunday, with a forecast for continued rain on Saturday.
Daily Life Impact
Affected Individuals
Residents are experiencing inconvenience due to waterlogging, traffic disruptions, and power outages caused by the heavy rains.
Official Response/Outlook
The administration has appealed to people to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel, and the Met Office has advised caution until the weather clears.
- Cause of Disruption
- Severe weather (strong winds, heavy rain) from Cyclone Montha remnant
- Impact on Elections
- Cancellation/deferral of approximately 23 election rallies on Friday; some leaders addressed via mobile; Priyanka Gandhi's rally cancelled and travel rerouted.
- Affected Political Figures
- Nitish Kumar, Tejashwi Yadav, J.P. Nadda, Jitan Ram Manjhi, Pawan Singh, Priyanka Gandhi
- Agricultural Impact
- Significant damage to Kharif crops, especially paddy, at harvest stage.
- Weather Forecast
- Rain, thunder, and strong winds likely to continue Saturday; expected to improve from Sunday. Rainfall alert for Araria, Kishanganj, Purnea.
- Temperature Changes
- Maximum and minimum temperatures fell; slight chill expected to persist in mornings/evenings for next five days.
- Other Disruptions
- Waterlogging, traffic disruptions, power supply affected.