Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Tuesday evacuated 11,396 people from vulnerable areas as Cyclone ‘Montha’ moved closer to the Andhra Pradesh coast, bringing heavy rain and strong winds across southern Odisha.
The government has set a target of evacuating around 30,554 people, depending on the evolving situation. As a precautionary measure, 2,693 pregnant women have been relocated to nearby health centers for their safety.
According to the Special Relief Commissioner’s (SRC) office, the cyclone is likely to impact eight southern districts—Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur—the most.
To manage the situation, the state government has deployed 30 (Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force) ODRAF teams, 5 NDRF teams, and 123 firefighting units, while additional teams remain on standby. Schools and Anganwadi centers in the affected districts will remain closed until October 30, with the closure likely to be extended if weather conditions worsen.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday also reviewed the state’s preparedness for Cyclone ‘Montha’ at Lok Seva Bhawan and directed officials to ensure that “zero casualties” remain the top priority.
The cyclone, moving at a speed of around 12 kmph, is expected to make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam near Kakinada on the Andhra Pradesh coast later tonight. Meteorological reports suggest that several districts in southern Odisha will experience heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds during and after landfall.
The Chief Minister also instructed all departments to remain on high alert and ensure immediate restoration of essential services post-cyclone. Teams have been directed to clear roads of uprooted trees swiftly to maintain connectivity. The Agriculture Department has been tasked with assessing crop damage and extending necessary support to farmers, as the cyclone coincides with the ongoing harvesting season.
