Odisha reverses Cyclone Montha damage: NDRF, Gajapati admin restore road connectivity within 8 hours

In yet another display of remarkable preparedness and post-damage restoration, road connectivity was restored in Gajapati district just hours after a major landslide triggered by continuous rains associated with Cyclone Montha snapped connectivity to and from the district.

Reports stated that the landslide, which occurred on Tuesday, had blocked the Ramagiri–Badagaon Ghat road in R. Udayagiri block, Gajapati district, isolating five villages and cutting the main link to Ganjam district.

In a swift clearing operation, district administration teams, supported by NDRF and police, blasted and removed large boulders and debris using heavy machinery and two JCB excavators, restoring vehicular movement within eight hours of clearance operations beginning.

Admin Ensures Smooth Clearing Operation

Sources reported that following a reduction in rainfall on Wednesday, the Gajapati district administration initiated a coordinated clearance operation. The on-site team composition included the Additional District Magistrate (ADM), Block Development Officer (BDO), tehsildar, engineers and machinery operators from the Rural Development and Works (Purtta) departments, a National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) contingent, and district police personnel.

The operation used controlled blasting to break up large rock masses. Two JCB excavators were deployed to remove blasted rock and earth from the road prism. Clearance work commenced and, within eight hours of sustained operations, the Ramagiri–Badagaon Ghat road was reopened for vehicular traffic.

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Cyclone Montha’s Effect Across Odisha

Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Wednesday confirmed that Cyclone Montha and its associated rain bands affected 33 blocks and 11 urban areas across the state.

The government reported that over 19,000 people were evacuated ahead of the cyclone’s landfall. The state had deployed 161 response teams for rescue and emergency operations and operated 362 free kitchens, which served cooked meals to about 18,700 people in affected areas. The government stated it would remain on alert until October 31 owing to expected intermittent rainfall in some districts.

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