Cyclone Montha: Over 11,000 evacuated, extensive disaster response teams deployed in Odisha, says CM Majhi

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday chaired a high-level review meeting at Lok Seva Bhavan in Bhubaneswar to assess the state’s preparedness for Cyclone Montha and assured of achieving a ‘zero casualty’ target.

Following the review, the CM stated that the Odisha government has made all necessary arrangements to deal with the approaching cyclone, including mass evacuations and disaster response team deployments.

The CM said that rainfall had already begun in parts of southern Odisha, adding that eight districts of Gajapati, Ganjam, Rayagada, Koraput, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, and Kandhamal are likely to be impacted between Tuesday and Wednesday.

“So far, 11,396 people have been evacuated to safety, and our target is to move over 30,000 residents to cyclone shelters if needed. We have taken every step to safeguard our citizens. Evacuation, medical preparedness, and relief arrangements are in place. Our administration is confident of handling the situation effectively,” he said.

The CM added that 1,871 pregnant women have been shifted to hospitals, while 822 more are expected to be moved to medical facilities if the situation worsens. Tourism activities in the affected southern districts have been restricted as a precautionary measure.

Extensive Response Teams Deployed

To ensure rapid response and rescue operations, the state government has deployed 30 ODRAF teams, 123 Fire Services units, and 5 NDRF teams across the eight red-zone districts.

“A total of 2,048 cyclone shelters have been readied, with dry food, drinking water, and medical supplies stocked in advance. Experienced medical teams have also been positioned to provide emergency healthcare. There is no need to panic. Odisha will meet its zero casualty target without fail,” said the CM.

ALSO READ: Cyclone ‘Montha’ triggers heavy rain in Twin City Cuttack and Bhubaneswar; IMD predicts more showers

CM Majhi further directed officials to ensure round-the-clock coordination with the State Emergency Operations Centre and maintain constant field-level vigilance.

As Cyclone Montha nears landfall, southern Odisha continues to witness steady rainfall and gusty winds, marking the beginning of what the IMD predicts to be two days of intense weather activity.

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