Odisha braces up for cyclone Montha; Govt reviews preparedness as 15 districts likely to be affected

The Odisha Government has intensified its preparedness measures in view of the possible cyclonic storm brewing over the Bay of Bengal. 

Though the cyclone Montha will make landfall in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Saturday chaired a high-level review meeting and informed that around 15 districts are expected to be affected, particularly in the southern and coastal regions of the state.

The Minister informed that departments, including Water Resources, Panchayati Raj, Agriculture, and Energy, have put on high alert to tackle any emergency arising from the impending weather system.

“Even if the cyclone changes its direction, we are fully prepared. All necessary measures have been taken based on past experiences,” Pujari said.

He further stated that advance planning and coordination with district administrations have been completed,  ensuring that each department remains equipped to respond promptly. 

“If anyone gets stranded in waterlogged areas, cooked food will be provided. Protecting lives is our top priority,” the Minister added.

Precautionary Steps In Coastal Areas

In Paradip, precautionary alerts have been issued by the Fisheries Department and Coastal Police. Using public address systems, authorities have advised fishermen not to venture into the sea from October 25 to 29. Those already at sea have been instructed to return to the shore immediately. Awareness drives through loudspeakers are being conducted in areas such as Paradip Nehru Bangala Fishing Harbour, Atharbanki Baliplat, Sandhakud, Nuabazar, and Chaumuhani.

Administrative Measures and Forecast

The review meeting, attended by district Collectors and senior officials via video conference, focused on the state’s cyclone management strategy. The State Relief Commissioner (SRC) instructed all collectors to ensure cyclone shelters are ready and dry food supplies are adequately stocked.

Minister Pujari informed that the low-pressure area has now intensified into a depression near the Andaman region, approximately 1,000 kilometres away, and is moving in a west-northwest direction. 

“The meteorological department is closely monitoring the development. The depression is gradually strengthening into a cyclonic storm, and its speed is slowly rising,” he said.

The cyclone is expected to impact Odisha on October 28 and 29, affecting districts such as Ganjam, Gajapati, Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada, Puri, Khordha, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, and Bhadrak.

SRC’s Statement on Coordination

SRC Deoranjan Singh stated that the administration has already held discussions with district collectors and relevant departments. “The cyclone’s direction may deviate as seen in previous instances. We may need to relocate resources between districts depending on its course,” he said.

He added that the cyclonic storm is likely to form by October 26 and, as per the latest forecasts, may make landfall near North Andhra Pradesh, while still impacting southern Odisha. 

“Based on the situation, further review meetings will be held. Officials’ leaves may be cancelled, and school closures will be announced as needed,” Singh added.

With clear instructions to remain alert and well-coordinated, Odisha’s disaster management machinery remains on standby as the state braces for possible cyclone impact later this week.