Odisha on High Alert as Cyclone Montha Nears: Mass Evacuations, Red Warnings Issued
Evacuations underway as deadly storm barrels toward coast.
Odisha is on high alert as Cyclone Montha rapidly intensifies in the Bay of Bengal, prompting massive evacuations, deployment of elite disaster teams, and widespread shutdowns to avert a potential catastrophe. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted the deep depression to escalate into a severe cyclonic storm by Monday morning, with landfall expected near Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh by evening or night—packing winds up to 100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph.
State Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari revealed that eight districts—Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Kandhamal, and Kalahandi—are under "red warning" for extremely heavy rainfall and gale-force winds up to 80 kmph. An additional seven districts face orange and yellow alerts, meaning Odisha's southern and central regions could see flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage despite the cyclone's primary impact on neighboring Andhra Pradesh, just 200 km from Malkangiri.
In a race against time, over 5,000 ODRAF personnel in 24 teams, five NDRF units, and 99 Fire Service squads have been strategically positioned. "We're not taking chances—landslides killed 12 in Gajapati during Cyclone Titli in 2018, so we've identified 139 high-risk spots and deployed heavy machinery for instant road clearance," Pujari emphasized. Vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, the elderly, and even hill-dwelling sadhus, are being relocated to hospitals, cyclone shelters, and safer plains by Monday evening.
Also Read: IMD Issues Red Alert For Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh Ahead of Cyclone Montha
Fishermen have been barred from the sea until October 29, with Distant Cautionary Signal No-I hoisted at all Odisha ports. Those already at sea are urged to return immediately via loudspeaker announcements. Coastal tourism has ground to a halt in Puri, with beach access banned from October 27-29. All schools and Anganwadi centers statewide remain closed until October 30, and leaves for government employees in nine districts are canceled to ensure round-the-clock readiness.
IMD's Bhubaneswar director, Dr. Manorama Mohanty, warned that the storm's northwestward shift post-formation could amplify risks if it veers closer to Odisha. Rainfall is set to lash the state from Monday, peaking in intensity on October 28-29 with potential for urban flooding in low-lying areas. Authorities are monitoring real-time satellite data and have stockpiled food, medicine, and generators in shelters.
This proactive stance builds on Odisha's hard-learned lessons from past cyclones like Phailin and Fani, where zero-casualty evacuations saved thousands. As Montha churns closer—currently 900 km south-southeast of Gopalpur—residents are urged to stay indoors, secure loose objects, and heed evacuation orders. With climate change fueling more frequent intense storms, Odisha's multi-layered response could set a benchmark for disaster resilience in the region.
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