Bhubaneswar: With Cyclone Montha inching closer to the Odisha-Andhra coast, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reviewed the preparedness at Lok Seva Bhavan, directing officials to ensure “zero casualty” through swift evacuation and coordinated response.
According to the state government, extensive preparations have been made across eight southern districts — Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Kandhamal, Kalahandi and Nabarangpur — expected to be affected by the storm. A total of 2,048 cyclone and flood shelters have been readied, while 11,396 people have already been evacuated to safer locations. Authorities remain prepared to relocate another 30,554 if required.
So far, 1,871 pregnant women have been shifted to healthcare centres, with arrangements to move a total of 2,693 women to ensure their safety. Thirty ODRAF units, 123 fire service teams, and five NDRF teams have been deployed across vulnerable zones.
The government has also restricted tourist movement in coastal and hilly regions for the next few days and advised fishermen not to venture into the sea. All schools and Anganwadi centres in the eight districts will remain closed till October 30. Engineering departments are on alert to maintain uninterrupted power and drinking water supply, with backup generators in place.
Hospitals in the affected areas have been stocked with anti-snake venom, essential medicines, and emergency kits. The Agriculture Department has been instructed to carry out immediate crop loss assessments and extend necessary assistance post-cyclone.
Chief Minister Majhi emphasised that the state machinery is fully geared up to tackle the cyclone’s impact, reiterating that the government’s primary goal remains “zero casualty.”
According to the India Meteorological Department, Cyclone Montha has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal and is likely to make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam near Kakinada later tonight, with wind speeds reaching up to 110 kmph. A red alert has been issued for several districts in southern Odisha as authorities evacuate residents from low-lying areas amid heavy rain and gusty winds.
Updated at 16:00 hrs.
