Cyclone ‘Montha’: CM Mohan Majhi reviews preparedness and evacuation as Odisha also braces for impact

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, on Tuesday, chaired a high-level review meeting at Lok Seva Bhavan in Bhubaneswar to assess the state’s preparedness for Cyclone Montha, which has now intensified into a severe cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal.

Reports stated that the state Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary (Water Resources) Anu Garg were present in the meeting along with the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC).

The CM interacted with the heads of several key departments, including Agriculture, Health, Panchayati Raj, and Energy. He also held discussions with the Director Generals of Police and Fire Services, and district Collectors from the cyclone-affected regions via video conference.

CM Reviews Evacuation And Landslide Threats

The Chief Minister took stock of the evacuation drive currently underway in southern Odisha, with a focus on Ganjam and Gajapati districts, the two most vulnerable regions expected to bear the brunt of the cyclone.

The IMD, in its forecast, has warned that after Cyclone Montha makes landfall at Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh, it will move towards the southern Odisha districts, eight of which are placed under red alert zone for heavy rainfall activity.

According to sources, the CM reviewed the evacuation of thousands of residents, including pregnant women and elderly citizens, who have already been shifted to safer locations. He also reviewed landslide-prone zones, rainfall intensity, and road communication vulnerabilities, instructing the administration to ensure zero casualties and immediate relief to affected people.

CM Majhi ordered that all district administrations must maintain continuous coordination with the State Emergency Operations Centre and ensure the round-the-clock presence of field officials.  He further sought updates on rescue deployments and the adequacy of personnel on the ground, with additional ODRAF and Fire Services units kept on standby if required, informed sources.

ALSO READ: Red alert in 8 Odisha districts as Cyclone ‘Montha’ intensifies; 128 ODRAF, NDRF, fire services teams deployed

Heavy Rain Lashes Odisha

Meanwhile, torrential rains have continued across Gajapati district since Monday evening, triggering waterlogging and damage to property in hilly and low-lying areas. Mohana and R. Udayagiri blocks reported the heaviest rainfall, with a tree falling at Sundaraba village blocking a key road. Fire Services personnel cleared the obstruction early Tuesday morning.

In Mohana, a mud-walled house collapsed overnight, injuring one resident, while another family lost their tin-roofed home to gusty winds. Officials confirmed that no casualties have been reported so far.