Odisha on High Alert as Cyclone ‘Montha’ Nears Landfall; Over 11,000 Evacuated

Bhubaneswar: With Cyclone ‘Montha’ barreling toward the Andhra Pradesh coast, the Odisha government has intensified its preparedness measures, evacuating more than 11,000 people from vulnerable coastal and low-lying regions. The cyclone’s outer bands have already brought heavy rain and strong winds to several southern districts of the state.

Authorities said the government plans to evacuate around 30,554 people in total, depending on how the weather evolves in the coming hours. To safeguard vulnerable groups, 2,693 pregnant women have been shifted to nearby healthcare centers as a precaution.

According to the Special Relief Commissioner’s (SRC) office, the cyclone is expected to significantly affect eight southern districts — Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur.

To strengthen disaster response, 30 teams of the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), five NDRF units, and 123 firefighting teams have been deployed across high-risk zones. Additional rescue and relief personnel are on standby. As a precautionary measure, schools and Anganwadi centres in the affected districts will remain closed till October 30, with the closure likely to extend if the situation worsens.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi chaired a review meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan on Tuesday, directing officials to ensure zero casualties and maintain round-the-clock vigilance. “Our top priority is saving lives and ensuring quick restoration once the cyclone passes,” Majhi said during the briefing.

Cyclone Montha, moving at around 12 kmph, is likely to make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam near Kakinada on the Andhra Pradesh coast late tonight. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall and strong winds across several districts in southern Odisha during and after landfall.

The Chief Minister has instructed all departments to remain on high alert and ensure immediate restoration of essential services post-cyclone. Special focus has been placed on clearing roads blocked by fallen trees to restore connectivity and supporting farmers whose crops may be damaged, as the storm coincides with the harvesting season.