Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has directed the closure of Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) in eight districts as a precautionary measure ahead of Cyclone ‘Montha’, expected to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds across the state from October 27 to 30.
The advisory, issued by Nilu Mohapatra, Additional Secretary of the Women & Child Development Department, follows predictions from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) of heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by strong gusty winds across the state from October 27 to 30, 2025.
AWCs in Red Alert districts—Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur—will remain closed on October 28 and 29. District administrations may also consider closures on October 27 and 30, depending on prevailing weather conditions.
For Orange Alert districts—Khurda, Puri, Nayagarh, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, and Bhadrak—local authorities will decide on temporary closures based on rainfall and wind conditions.
The government has instructed officials to take all necessary precautions, including relocating pregnant women to safe shelters. Residents are advised to stay indoors, follow updates, and cooperate with authorities during the cyclone period.
The advisory stressed strict compliance to prevent any untoward incidents.
