Odisha Mobilizes 128 Emergency Teams as Cyclone Montha Looms

Bhubaneswar, Oct 26 — With Cyclone Montha intensifying over the Bay of Bengal, the Odisha government has launched a full-scale preparedness drive across eight high-risk districts.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari and Special Relief Commissioner Deoranjan Kumar Singh convened a statewide meeting to coordinate emergency response efforts.

The districts of Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur have been designated red zones due to their vulnerability.

A total of 128 teams from ODRAF, NDRF, and fire services have been deployed to these areas, with evacuation orders in place for vulnerable populations by 5 PM on October 27.

Expectant mothers are being relocated to primary health centres, while elderly citizens and children are moved to safer shelters. Residents in high-altitude zones like Mahendragiri are being shifted to low-lying areas.

Cyclone shelters, school buildings, and community centres are being readied for mass evacuations.

Fishermen have returned to shore and are advised to avoid the sea from October 27 to 31. Tourists have been warned against visiting coastal beaches. Farmers are urged to secure their paddy harvest within 24 hours to minimise crop damage.

Urban areas prone to waterlogging are receiving drainage support, and backup power systems are being activated for hospitals and emergency services.

Strict action has been ordered against black marketing of essential goods. All schools in affected districts will remain closed, and government employee leave has been cancelled.

Rainfall is expected to begin on October 27, intensify on October 28–29, and subside by October 30, according to SRC Singh.