Cyclone ‘Montha’: Odisha govt orders closure of Anganwadi Centres, beaches in multiple districts

The Odisha government on Sunday announced the temporary closure of Anganwadi Centres across eight southern and southwestern districts on October 28 and 29, 2025, as a precautionary measure in view of the impending impact of Cyclone Montha.

According to an official letter issued by the Department of Women and Child Development, all Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) in districts placed under the IMD’s red alert, namely Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur, will remain closed for two days.

The directive comes after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by strong gusty winds in the region between October 27 and 30, as Cyclone Montha approaches the Odisha coast.

The letter further advised district administrations to take appropriate decisions regarding the closure of AWCs on October 27 and 30, depending on the local weather situation.

For districts under Orange Alert, including Khordha, Puri, Nayagarh, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, and Bhadrak, local authorities have been empowered to decide on temporary closure based on rainfall and wind conditions.

Precautionary Measures Activated

Reports added that the state has directed all field officials to ensure the safety and well-being of children, mothers, and community members during the cyclone period. In the same letter, the Odisha government ordered district authorities to make arrangements for shifting pregnant women to safe shelters or higher ground if necessary.

In addition, the Ganjam district administration has announced the closure of all schools for two days (October 28 and 29), citing possible heavy rainfall and strong winds. The administration has also declared the Gopalpur and Sonpur beaches closed to visitors for the next 48 hours to prevent accidents and ensure public safety.

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Meanwhile, the IMD’s red warning indicates a high likelihood of intense rainfall, localised flooding, and strong winds in the southern belt, particularly along coastal and hilly districts. 

Cyclone Montha, currently moving northward in the Bay of Bengal, is expected to bring sustained winds and very heavy showers in parts of southern Odisha as it nears the coastline.