Cyclone ‘Montha’ impact: House collapses, 1 injured in Odisha’s Gajapati

Continuous downpour lashed Gajapati district on Tuesday under the impact of Cyclone Montha, which has now intensified into a severe cyclonic storm. Reports added that heavy, incessant rains have led to landslides, blocked roads, and damage to houses in low-lying and hilly regions.

Sources reported that since Monday evening, the Gajapati district, particularly Mohana and R. Udayagiri blocks, has been witnessing relentless rain accompanied by thunder. The rainfall intensified overnight, triggering waterlogging and minor landslides in several areas.

Ground reports added that at Sundaraba village near R. Udayagiri, a tree fell and blocked a key road, disrupting vehicular movement. However, Odisha Fire Services personnel from R. Udayagiri reached the spot early this morning and cleared the obstruction, restoring traffic.

Damage To Houses And Property

Similarly, in Mohana, a mud-walled house collapsed during the night. Sources reported that the collapse injured an inhabitant, but they sustained only minor injuries. Further, another local reportedly lost his tin-roofed home after strong winds blew it away.

Local officials confirmed that no fatalities have been reported so far, though property loss has been extensive. The administration has shifted affected families to cyclone shelters, where cooked food and medical aid are being provided.

Administration On High Alert

The Gajapati district administration has relocated residents from landslide-prone and low-lying areas to safe shelters. Sub-Collector, BDOs, and Tehsildars are monitoring the situation on the ground, visiting cyclone shelters to review conditions.

In neighbouring Ganjam district, the effects of Cyclone Montha have begun to spread across all 22 blocks. While some areas are witnessing light drizzle, others are facing heavy rain and gusty winds.

Around 2,400 people have been evacuated from Chikiti and Patrapur blocks, where landslides had occurred in past cyclones. NDRF, ODRAF, and Fire Services teams remain deployed for rapid response.

ALSO READ: Ganjam on high alert as Cyclone Montha’s impact begins along Odisha coast

Continued Rain Under Cyclone Montha’s Influence

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Montha will continue to move north-northwestward after making landfall near the Andhra coast. Its impact zone covers southern Odisha districts, including Gajapati, Ganjam, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri.

The region is expected to experience wind speeds of 60–70 kmph with gusts up to 80 kmph, accompanied by heavy to very heavy rainfall.