Odisha Steps Up Preparations as Cyclone Montha Nears Coast

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has intensified its preparedness measures ahead of the approaching Cyclone Montha, with Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari chairing a high-level review meeting at the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) office on Monday. The meeting, attended by top officials from various departments, assessed the state’s readiness to mitigate the cyclone’s potential impact and ensure public safety.

Minister Suresh Pujari reaffirmed the government’s commitment to achieving zero casualties, emphasizing that all precautionary and response systems are in place.

“We have made all necessary preparations and are closely monitoring the situation. I urge everyone to remain calm and cooperate with the authorities,” Pujari said.

Providing updates on the cyclone’s movement, he noted that Cyclone Montha is currently moving at a speed of 18 kmph and is positioned about 600 km from Gopalpur. “Its trajectory indicates a possible landfall along the Odisha coast before moving through Malkangiri and into Chhattisgarh. As its speed increases, the impact may lessen, which is a positive sign,” he added.

The cyclone is expected to affect several southern and western districts, including Ganjam, Gajapati, Koraput, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur. Heavy rainfall in neighbouring Chhattisgarh may raise water levels in the Mahanadi river, prompting the state government to release excess water from reservoirs, which are currently at 88% capacity. Fishermen have been advised to stay ashore, and district administrations have been instructed to ensure strict safety protocols.

Pujari stated that the state has activated its response system at all levels — district, block, and panchayat — with officials, Anganwadi, and ASHA workers conducting door-to-door awareness and evacuation drives in vulnerable regions. Drawing from the state’s previous experience managing Cyclone Dana, he expressed confidence in the administration’s ability to effectively handle the situation.

He further revealed that discussions with the Coast Guard are underway to coordinate maritime safety, particularly concerning vessels from Andhra Pradesh currently in the Odisha sea. “Our goal is clear — zero casualties. People should not step outside during the cyclone. Evacuations are already underway,” Pujari said, noting that 200 pregnant women have been safely relocated, with more being shifted to secure shelters.

Residents in hilly or low-lying areas and those living in makeshift houses have been urged to move to nearby schools, Anganwadi centres, or relief shelters. Priority is being given to the elderly, women, and children, and a 24×7 helpline has been activated along with a fully functional control room to assist citizens.

Highlighting the scale of preparedness, Pujari said,

“During the cyclone, wind speeds may reach 60 to 90 kmph. Around 200 relief centres have been set up in eight districts, and schools will serve as temporary shelters. All schools and Anganwadi centres in these districts will remain closed from October 28 to October 30. Dry food and essential supplies will be delivered to Anganwadi beneficiaries.”

In addition, urban local bodies have been instructed to deploy pumping systems to tackle possible waterlogging, while ample stocks of food grains, rations, animal feed, and backup power systems have been arranged to support communities during and after the cyclone.

With these coordinated efforts, the Odisha government aims to ensure a swift, efficient, and safe response as Cyclone Montha edges closer to the state’s coastline.