Odisha Braces for Cyclone Montha with Mass Evacuations
As Cyclone Montha approaches from the Bay of Bengal, the Odisha government has intensified efforts to achieve ‘zero casualties’ through a vigorous evacuation and preparedness campaign in the southern districts.
Hundreds of residents have been relocated to safe places in Ganjam and Gajapati, two districts expected to face the brunt of the storm. Evacuation operations began in Patrapur block of Ganjam on Sunday evening and around 300 people from Ankuli, Buratal and Tumba panchayats were shifted to cyclone shelters. While local schools and community halls served as temporary shelters, nine pregnant women were shifted to Patrapur Medical Center for medical care and safety.
In Gajapati, the district administration evacuated 940 people, including 91 pregnant women, to designated cyclone shelters. Collector Madhumita, who supervised operations during intermittent rains, confirmed that 139 landslide-prone areas were under close surveillance. “We maintain constant communication with gram panchayat and block control rooms. The situation is stable as only light rainfall has been reported so far,” he said.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of heavy rains, strong winds and possible flash floods in south Odisha as Cyclone Montha moves inland. The cyclone is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm before making landfall near Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, on October 28, subsequently affecting southern Odisha.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari announced that eight districts including Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Kalahandi and Kandhamal have been put on red alert. A total of 128 disaster response teams comprising 24 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) units, 5 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and 99 Fire Services units have been deployed to deal with emergencies.
