CM Majhi Reviews Cyclone ‘Montha’ Preparedness, Emphasises Zero Casualties

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday reviewed the state’s preparedness to face Cyclone ‘Montha’ at Lok Seva Bhawan and directed officials to ensure “zero casualties” through timely evacuation and coordinated response.

Although the cyclone is currently impacting parts of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha is expected to experience heavy rainfall and strong winds, especially across the southern districts. The Chief Minister emphasized that no resident should be left behind in vulnerable areas, and all must be moved to cyclone or flood shelters.

Recalling Odisha’s successful handling of Cyclone ‘Dana’ last year—where prompt evacuation ensured zero casualties—Majhi stressed that evacuation remains the cornerstone of disaster management efforts.

“All departments must stay alert and ready for immediate restoration of essential services after the cyclone,” the Chief Minister said, instructing teams to prevent road blockages caused by uprooted trees and to ensure quick clearance.

The Agriculture Department has been directed to assess crop losses promptly and provide assistance to affected farmers, as the cyclone coincides with the paddy harvesting season. Under the supervision of Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, the government has been conducting regular review meetings for the past three days to enhance readiness.

Special Relief Commissioner Deoranjan Kumar Singh, DGP Yogesh Bahadur Khurania, and senior officials from key departments briefed the Chief Minister on the latest situation and preparedness measures.

The cyclone is expected to severely impact eight districts—Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur. So far, 11,396 people have been evacuated, while another 30,554 are on standby for relocation. A total of 2,693 pregnant women have been shifted to health centers for safety.

To manage rescue and relief operations, 30 ODRAF teams, 5 NDRF teams, and 123 fire service units have been deployed, with additional teams kept on standby. Schools and Anganwadi centers in the affected districts will remain closed until October 30, with the possibility of extension based on the situation.

Departments have ensured backup power supply and clean drinking water, with DG sets installed in all key service institutions. Health facilities across vulnerable areas have been stocked with medicines, anti-snake venom, and emergency kits.

Tourists have been barred from visiting coastal and hilly regions until October 31, and fishermen have been warned against venturing into the sea.

The high-level meeting was attended by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Development Commissioner-cum-ACS Anu Garg, ACSs Deoranjan Kumar Singh and Satyabrata Sahu, DGP Yogesh Bahadur Khurania, and other senior officials. District Collectors participated virtually.