“Odisha fully prepared to face Cyclone Montha, says state minister”
Revenue & Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari assures extensive preparations across eight vulnerable districts; SDRF, NDRF, and health teams deployed as IMD warns of heavy rainfall from October 27.
Bhubaneswar, Oct 26: With Cyclone Montha inching closer to the eastern coast, the Odisha government has stepped up its preparedness to ensure minimal impact. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said on Saturday that the state has “prepared extensively” to tackle the approaching storm, currently located about 930 kilometres from the Odisha coast.
He said eight districts have been identified as “most vulnerable,” and all key departments energy, rural development, health, and agriculture have been placed on high alert. “We have reviewed readiness with officials, identified vulnerable points, and activated relevant departments. Cyclone centres, relief centres, and control rooms are ready. The Water Resources Department has started releasing water from reservoirs as a precautionary step,” Pujari stated.
In a proactive measure, expectant mothers due to deliver in the coming week are being relocated to Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Community Health Centres (CHCs) to ensure safe deliveries. “Essential commodities are stocked to prevent hoarding and price hikes, while SDRF, NDRF, and Fire Services teams are deployed in vulnerable areas for emergency response,” he added.
Chandra Sekhar Padhi, Engineer in Chief of the Water Resources Department, noted that the cyclone’s projected path might move toward Kakinada before shifting further. “Between October 26 and 29, the system may evolve from a deep depression to a severe cyclonic storm. Currently, there’s no immediate threat, but field officers are stationed and ready to respond,” Padhi said.
Echoing similar confidence, Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra confirmed that all official leaves have been cancelled to ensure seamless disaster response. “Drainage systems are being inspected, and arrangements for distributing dry and cooked food in high-risk areas are underway,” he said.
Meanwhile, IMD Bhubaneswar Director Manorama Mohanty confirmed that a low-pressure area has developed over the south Bay of Bengal, which is expected to intensify into a depression by October 25, a deep depression by October 26, and a cyclonic storm by October 27. “Odisha is likely to witness heavy to very heavy rainfall from October 27 to 29, and fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea from October 26 onwards,” Mohanty cautioned.
