Bhubaneswar: A high-level meeting was held today to review Odisha’s preparedness ahead of the possible impact of Cyclone ‘Montha.’ Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Development Commissioner Anu Garg, Special Relief Commissioner Deoranjan Kumar Singh, Fire Services & CG DG Dr. Sudhansu Sarangi, and other departmental secretaries held detailed discussions with District Magistrates on district-wise readiness.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone ‘Montha’ is currently over west-central and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal, moving northwest at 18 km/h. It is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by the morning of October 28 and make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast near Kakinada during the evening or night, with maximum sustained winds of 90–100 km/h, gusting up to 110 km/h. Eight districts in Odisha are likely to face significant impact.
Speaking to the media, Minister Pujari said arrangements have been made to bring trawlers stranded at sea safely to shore. A total of 140 teams of Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the Fire Department have been deployed in the eight most vulnerable districts. Senior officers in all districts have been tasked with managing cyclone operations. Contingency plans are in place to restore electricity within 24 hours if disrupted.
So far, around 3,000 people have been evacuated to 1,445 cyclone shelters, with a target of safely relocating 32,528 residents. Shelters have been stocked with dry and cooked food. Additionally, 1,496 pregnant women have been moved to local primary health centers and community health centers, with another 760 women set to be evacuated.
After making landfall, the cyclone is likely to affect Chhattisgarh, bringing heavy rainfall. Water levels at Hirakud Dam are being regulated as a precaution. The government has emphasised the safety of both residents and domestic animals. Currently, Koraput and Gajapati are experiencing normal rainfall, while six other districts report cloudy conditions. The weather is expected to change by October 28, with heavier rainfall forecast for October 29–30.
Special Relief Commissioner Deoranjan Kumar Singh added that evacuations are a top priority, especially for residents in high-risk areas. He assured that the cyclone’s impact is expected to be less severe than initially predicted and urged citizens to remain calm.
