Bhubaneswar: The district administration in Gajapati has moved into high alert as Cyclone ‘Montha’ approaches the southeast coast, with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of possible impacts on the district in the coming days. Residents in vulnerable areas are being shifted to shelters, and all disaster preparedness measures are underway.
Gajapati District Collector Madhumita said that, as per the latest IMD bulletin, Cyclone ‘Montha’ is expected to strike Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh, and its effects could be felt in Gajapati.
“The district administration has issued warnings for three days with varying intensity: October 27 – Orange (Be Prepared), October 28 – Red (Take Action), and October 29 – Orange. We are fully prepared to manage the situation,” said Collector Madhumita while briefing the media.
All Gram Panchayats and block-level control rooms are fully operational and preparatory meetings have been conducted to ensure smooth coordination. Residents living in vulnerable areas, including low-lying and waterlogging-prone regions, and those in kutcha houses, have begun to be shifted to designated cyclone shelters.
“Our nodal officers are present at all shelters and arrangements for food and other essentials are in place. All department officers are on duty and senior officials have been assigned to oversee operations across the seven blocks and two urban local bodies of the district,” the Collector added.
Currently, there are five official cyclone shelters in the district. In addition, school buildings and Gram Panchayat halls have been designated as temporary shelters. Dry food and other essential facilities are ready and shifting operations have started.
Two ODRAF (Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force) teams are expected to arrive by tomorrow to assist in relief operations. The administration will remain alert 24/7 until the cyclone passes.
The IMD has warned that the deep depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal has intensified and is likely to develop into a severe cyclonic storm within 24 hours. In response, a red alert has been issued for Gajapati district.
Collector Madhumita urged residents to cooperate with the administration and follow official instructions to ensure their safety.
“We are monitoring the situation closely. People are requested to move to shelters if advised and stay updated through official sources,” she said.
With the cyclone expected to intensify over the next 24 hours, Collector Madhumita have emphasised that residents avoid venturing into unsafe areas and follow official advisories until the storm passes.
