Southern Districts on High Alert, Fishermen Urged to Return

Bhubaneswar, Oct 26: As Cyclone Montha edges closer to India’s eastern coastline, authorities have placed southern Odisha on high alert, with particular focus on coastal districts like Ganjam, Dhamra, Paradip, and Chandbali.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall and strong winds, prompting swift precautionary measures.

District administrations have launched awareness campaigns in vulnerable areas, especially in Ganjam, where public announcement systems are being used to alert residents. Fishermen have been strongly advised to avoid venturing into the sea, with many boats already returning to shore. In Chandbali, officials are using loudspeakers and megaphones to reach those still at sea, urging them to return immediately.

Although Cyclone Montha is not expected to make direct landfall in Odisha, its outer bands could bring intense weather conditions.

The state government has activated cyclone shelters and prepared evacuation plans for low-lying and flood-prone areas. Authorities have assured that relocation efforts will be implemented swiftly if the situation escalates.

Continuous monitoring is underway, with disaster response teams on standby. Coordination between local officials, coastal communities, and the fisheries department remains active to ensure real-time updates and rapid response.

Citizens are urged to stay informed through official channels and refrain from spreading unverified information.