Cyclone Montha triggers landslide in Gajapati district; road connectivity disrupted

The impact of Cyclone Montha has been felt in Gajapati district of Odisha, where a section of a hill collapsed along the Linga–Barabha road under Partoda panchayat in Kashinagar block on Tuesday. The landslide brought down large rocks and debris, blocking the road and halting vehicular movement.

District authorities promptly initiated road clearance operations to restore connectivity and ensure public safety. According to reports, a portion of the road has been completely washed away, making it impossible for four-wheelers to pass through. Officials stated that repairs can only commence once rainfall subsides and the weather stabilizes. The restoration work is expected to take around 48 hours.

In the meantime, the local administration carried out temporary repairs to allow limited movement of smaller vehicles and maintain partial accessibility for emergency services.

According to reports, the local administration had already deployed Fire Department personnel in sensitive and landslide-prone areas as a precautionary measure. Rescue and disaster response teams have been stationed at vulnerable locations to handle any emergency. The evacuation process was undertaken on Monday to prevent untoward incidents, with residents being moved to designated cyclone shelters, including several expectant mothers.

Evacuation And Relief Efforts

While some residents were initially reluctant to relocate, they were eventually persuaded by the administration and shifted to safer locations. The affected road connects Gumma and Kashinagar blocks, and Additional District Magistrate Falguni Majhi personally visited the site to oversee clearance operations, which were carried out using JCB and other machinery.

Support For Expectant Mothers

In the Gumma block, 600 people have taken shelter, while all expectant mothers were shifted to the Maternity Waiting Home. Fifteen pregnant women were relocated there on Monday night.

One of the relocated women stated, “Our village lies in a hilly area prone to landslides and road blockages, so we shifted here for safety.”

Proactive Administrative Measures

Given that Paralakhemundi, Gumma, and Rayagada blocks often experience landslides during low-pressure rains, the district administration had taken preventive steps following cyclone warnings. Areas vulnerable to landslides were identified, and around 5,470 people were relocated to safety ahead of the storm, as sources said.