Odisha Gears Up for Cyclone Montha: Fire Department Leads Massive Preparedness Drive

Bhubaneswar: With Cyclone Montha expected to make landfall soon, the Odisha government has swung into action, putting comprehensive preparedness measures in place to safeguard lives and property. The Odisha Fire Department, in coordination with the ODRAF and NDRF, has been fully mobilized to respond to any emergencies arising from the cyclone’s impact.

A total of 128 disaster response teams have been strategically deployed across eight districts to ensure quick rescue and relief operations. These include 24 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) units, 5 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, and 99 Fire Services units.

Chief Fire Officer Ramesh Chandra Majhi informed that 267 fire teams have been positioned throughout the state — 123 in the Berhampur RDC Circle and 144 in the Cuttack RDC Circle. All teams are equipped with power and rubber boats, JCBs, tree-cutting machines, and other essential rescue tools to carry out emergency operations efficiently.

Focusing on southern Odisha, which is expected to face the cyclone’s maximum impact, nine Fire Services teams have been dispatched to Ganjam and Gajapati districts. Of these, eight teams are stationed in Gajapati and one in Ganjam. Each team, comprising six trained firefighters, is equipped to conduct rescue missions, clear debris, and provide critical assistance during and after the cyclone.

Meanwhile, the state administration has directed all District Collectors to complete evacuation from vulnerable zones by 5 PM today, ensuring that people from coastal and low-lying areas are shifted to safer shelters.

Authorities have also been instructed to tighten market surveillance and act against black marketing of essential commodities to prevent exploitation during the crisis period.

As Cyclone Montha moves closer to Odisha’s coast, the coordinated efforts of the Fire Services, ODRAF, and NDRF underscore the state’s readiness to tackle the impending challenge and minimize potential damage.