Odisha is getting ready for Cyclone Montha, a strong storm that’s supposed to hit the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam near Kakinada on October 28, either in the evening or at night. The Odisha government has put eight southern districts on high alert and started getting people out of the way to keep them safe.
Suresh Pujari, the state’s disaster management head, had a meeting on Sunday to check if everyone was ready in the areas that might be affected. He told the local leaders and officers to be extra careful and make sure people in risky areas were safe.
The eight districts in Odisha that are likely to be hit the hardest by Cyclone Montha include Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur. These areas are in the Red Zone, meaning there’s a big chance of strong winds and lots of rain.
Malkangiri, which is about 200 km from where the storm is predicted to hit, should expect strong winds and heavy rain. The authorities have started moving people from areas that could flood or have landslides to safer places like cyclone shelters.
The government is getting ready for emergencies.
About 128 teams from different disaster response groups are already in those eight districts. The state government has told everyone to stay put and canceled school until they say otherwise.
Leaders in all 30 districts have been told to be ready, even if they’re not in the red zone, so they can help other districts if needed.
Be Careful of Landslides and Floods
Minister Pujari said that the recent rains have made landslides more likely in some hilly districts like Gajapati and Kandhamal. Leaders have been told to find the risky spots and do what they can to keep people safe.
Departments like electricity, health, and water have been told to keep the power on, have medicine ready, and deal with floods if they happen.
In Gajapati district, people in high-up areas like Mahendragiri are being moved to safer places in case something goes wrong during the storm.
No Fishing and Watch the Markets
The state government has stopped all fishing from October 27 to 31, and they’re making sure all the fishermen are back on land. They’ve also told people not to sell important stuff at crazy prices, and the local leaders are watching the markets.
Get People Out and Ready to Rescue
By 5 p.m. tomorrow, all the local governments have been told to get people out of risky areas and into shelters, schools, and community centers. They’re also making sure there’s food, water, and medicine in those temporary shelters.
Officials have also made sure that rescue stuff like boats, life jackets, and food are ready to go in important places.
Cyclone Montha: What’s Happening Now
According to the weather department, the storm is moving west-northwest at 6 km/h and should turn into a cyclone in the next day. It might even become a really bad cyclone before it hits land on October 28.
Last Word
The Odisha government is doing a good job getting ready and sending out rescue teams. As Cyclone Montha gets closer, people are being asked to stay inside, listen to what the government says, and stay calm.
With people getting out of the way, safety rules in place, and everyone watching closely, Odisha is ready to stand strong against Cyclone Montha.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Cyclone Montha in Odisha
What is Cyclone Montha?
Cyclone Montha is a developing cyclonic system over the southeast Bay of Bengal that is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm within the next 24 hours. It is projected to make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam around Kakinada on the evening or night of October 28.
What are the districts in Odisha placed under red alert?
Eight southern districts — Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur — have been placed under the Red Zone category due to the high risk of strong winds and heavy rainfall from Cyclone Montha.
What measures has the Odisha government taken for Cyclone Montha?
The Odisha government has deployed 128 teams from ODRAF, NDRF, and Fire Services across the eight most vulnerable districts. Additionally, all district collectors have been instructed to complete the evacuation of people from high-risk areas to cyclone shelters by 5 p.m. before the storm’s impact.
What is the current movement of the cyclonic system?
The deep depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal is currently moving in a west-northwest direction at about 6 kilometres per hour and is expected to intensify further into a cyclonic storm soon.
Where is Cyclone Montha expected to make landfall?
Cyclone Montha is likely to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada, on the evening or night of October 28. Malkangiri in Odisha is approximately 200 km from the expected landfall point.
What precautions are being taken in landslide-prone regions?
District collectors have been directed to identify hilly and landslide-prone areas, especially in Gajapati and Kandhamal districts. Preventive measures include relocating residents from high-altitude regions such as Mahendragiri to safer low-lying zones.
What steps have been taken to ensure public safety?
Authorities have arranged for the evacuation of people from vulnerable locations to cyclone shelters, schools, and community centres. Departments of Energy, Health, and Water Resources have been alerted to manage power outages, ensure the supply of essential medicines, and prevent waterlogging.
What is the government’s instruction to all district collectors?
All 30 district collectors, including those outside the red zone, have been instructed to remain on high alert and be ready to provide additional manpower and resources to neighbouring districts if necessary.
What restrictions have been imposed due to Cyclone Montha?
Fishing activities have been banned from October 27 to 31, and all fishermen have been brought back to shore. The government has also cancelled all leaves for employees in cyclone-prone areas and ordered the closure of all schools until further notice.
What actions are being taken to prevent black marketing during the cyclone?
District administrations have been instructed to strictly monitor markets and take immediate action against any black marketing or hoarding of essential commodities during the cyclone period.
Who is monitoring the cyclone preparedness in Odisha?
Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari is personally overseeing the state’s preparedness. He conducted a high-level meeting with district collectors and various department officials to ensure all necessary arrangements are in place.
Why is Cyclone Montha a concern for Odisha?
Cyclone Montha poses a threat due to its potential to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, flooding, and landslides across southern Odisha districts. With previous incidents of landslides during heavy rainfall, the state is taking proactive steps to minimize risks and ensure safety.
How is the government coordinating rescue and relief operations?
The Odisha government has strategically deployed rescue teams, arranged relief materials, and set up emergency shelters. Coordination between multiple departments ensures quick response to any emergency caused by Cyclone Montha.
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