A red alert has been issued in eight districts due to Cyclone Montha in Odisha. The government has deployed 128 ODRAF, NDRF, and Fire Services teams for rescue operations as the storm nears landfall.
Cyclone Montha in Odisha Prompts Statewide Red Alert
Cyclone Montha in Odisha has intensified over the Bay of Bengal, raising serious concerns across the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of strong winds, heavy rainfall, and potential flooding in several districts. As the cyclone moves closer to landfall, Odisha’s disaster management machinery has been placed on high alert.
According to IMD reports, Cyclone Montha formed over the central Bay of Bengal late Saturday night. It was centered approximately 850 km southeast of Gopalpur in Odisha and 680 km southeast of Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh. The system is moving west-northwestward at a speed of around 16 kmph and is likely to intensify further before landfall.
The storm is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast near Kakinada by the evening of October 28. Once it enters inland areas, heavy to very heavy rainfall is anticipated over southern Odisha. Government agencies have been instructed to ensure complete preparedness in vulnerable regions.
Eight Districts Declared as Red Zones
The Odisha government has declared eight districts under red alert as a precautionary measure. The districts include Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Kalahandi, and Kandhamal. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari stated that Cyclone Montha in Odisha may have a significant impact across these southern regions.
The minister emphasized that the government is closely monitoring the situation. Instructions have been issued to district collectors for round-the-clock supervision and immediate action in case of emergencies. Control rooms have been activated in all affected districts.
The IMD has predicted intense rainfall ranging from 12 to 20 cm in these areas over the next 48 hours. Localized flooding, river swelling, and landslides in hilly regions are expected. Coastal winds may reach 80 to 100 kmph, with gusts exceeding 110 kmph in some zones.
Massive Deployment of Rescue Teams Across the State
A large-scale deployment of disaster response teams has been made to handle emergencies. A total of 128 rescue and response units have been placed strategically across the red-zone districts. These include 24 ODRAF teams, 5 NDRF teams, and 99 Fire Services units, ensuring rapid response capability in every vulnerable area.
In Malkangiri, three ODRAF teams, one NDRF unit, and eight Fire Services squads have been positioned. Koraput has received three ODRAF teams, one NDRF unit, and 14 Fire Services teams. Similarly, Nabarangpur has ten Fire Services units, while Rayagada has eleven.
The districts of Gajapati, Ganjam, Kandhamal, and Kalahandi have been fortified with seven, twenty-four, twelve, and thirteen Fire Services teams respectively. Two NDRF teams are already operational in Koraput and Malkangiri, while additional units are being moved to Rayagada, Gajapati, and Kandhamal. Officials confirmed that every red-zone district has at least three ODRAF teams on standby for rescue operations.
Evacuation and Relief Measures Underway
The Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) has announced that evacuation from low-lying and vulnerable areas will be completed by 5 PM today. Temporary shelters have been set up with adequate arrangements for food, drinking water, and medical aid. Cyclone Montha in Odisha has prompted the relocation of hundreds of families from flood-prone zones to safety.
Local administrations have been directed to ensure proper sanitation and medical facilities in all cyclone shelters. Food grains and essential supplies have been stocked to meet emergency needs. Pregnant women, elderly persons, and persons with disabilities are being prioritized during evacuation.
Control rooms have been established at the state and district levels for real-time monitoring. The energy department has been instructed to position restoration teams with equipment to repair damaged power lines immediately after the storm passes.
Schools, Colleges, and Public Institutions Closed in Affected Areas
In anticipation of Cyclone Montha’s impact, the Odisha government has announced temporary closure of educational institutions in affected districts. All schools and colleges in red-zone areas will remain closed until further notice. This precautionary measure aims to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and staff.
Public gatherings and events have been restricted to prevent crowding during adverse weather. Fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the sea until the cyclone completely dissipates. Ports have been put under alert, and all boats have been asked to return to the coast.
Transportation services, including trains and buses, are being closely monitored for possible disruptions. The government has appealed to citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and stay indoors during the storm’s peak hours.
Coordination Between Departments Ensures Preparedness
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari chaired a high-level review meeting with senior officials. Coordination among departments has been prioritized to ensure efficient management of Cyclone Montha in Odisha. The meeting reviewed rescue, evacuation, communication, and power restoration plans.
District administrations have been authorized to utilize emergency funds for immediate needs. The Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) is continuously tracking the cyclone’s movement through satellite data. Communication lines between district headquarters and Bhubaneswar control rooms remain active 24/7.
Health departments have been instructed to prepare mobile medical teams for deployment in affected regions. Veterinary services are also on alert to safeguard livestock and prevent the spread of diseases. Relief materials such as tarpaulins, dry food, and medicines have been pre-positioned in all vulnerable areas.
People Urged to Stay Calm and Follow Safety Protocols
The state government has urged citizens to stay calm and follow official advisories. Regular updates on Cyclone Montha in Odisha are being issued through IMD bulletins and state communication channels. The Chief Minister’s Office is monitoring the situation and ensuring that all arrangements are in place.
Helpline numbers have been activated for each district to assist residents in emergencies. Awareness campaigns are being carried out through local radio, television, and social media platforms. Volunteers from local communities and self-help groups have been mobilized to support evacuation and relief activities.
The government has assured that post-cyclone recovery measures will be implemented immediately after the storm subsides. Restoration of power, water supply, and road connectivity will be prioritized in affected regions.
Odisha Braces for Impact as Cyclone Nears Landfall
As Cyclone Montha approaches landfall, Odisha continues its preparations to minimize damage. Strong winds and heavy rainfall are likely to affect daily life in several southern districts. However, proactive measures by the government have built confidence among the public.
Meteorologists have noted that the storm’s intensity may weaken after landfall, though rainfall will remain heavy. People have been urged to avoid panic and rely only on official updates. With collective efforts from authorities, rescue teams, and citizens, Odisha aims to face the cyclone with resilience and preparedness.
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