Cyclone Montha Claims Life of Relief Worker in Gajapati Before Landfall

In a tragic turn of events, Surendra Gamang, a 42-year-old supply assistant from Potara panchayat in Rayagada block, lost his life on Monday night while assisting in cyclone preparedness efforts in Gajapati district. Gamang, known for his diligence and commitment, had spent the entire day helping villagers reach shelters, distributing food, and arranging bedding for evacuees bracing for Cyclone Montha.

After completing his duties late at night, Gamang had a quick meal and went to rest — only to suffer what doctors suspect was a cardiac arrest, possibly triggered by exhaustion and stress from relentless relief work. He was rushed to the District Headquarters Hospital in Paralakhemundi, where doctors declared him brought dead.

“He was the backbone of our relief work here,” said one of his colleagues as the local community gathered for a sombre vigil, mourning a man who gave his life in service to others even before the storm made landfall.

Cyclone Montha Inches Closer to Landfall

Meanwhile, Cyclone Montha — now classified as an extremely severe cyclonic storm — continues to close in on the Andhra Pradesh coast, with landfall expected near Kakinada tonight. The storm is packing winds up to 110 kmph, posing a major threat to both southern Odisha and coastal Andhra Pradesh.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Gajapati district, warning of extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm, which could lead to catastrophic landslides in the region’s hilly terrain. Officials have identified 139 high-risk zones, drawing grim parallels to the Cyclone Titli disaster of 2018, when a landslide in Gajapati claimed several lives of evacuees who had sought shelter in a cave.

Odisha Ramps Up Evacuations and Disaster Response

Despite the grim forecast, Odisha’s disaster management machinery has moved swiftly into action. As of Tuesday afternoon, 946 people — including 91 of the 166 pregnant women identified — have been evacuated to 1,445 cyclone shelters across the southern districts. The government aims to relocate over 4,000 more residents from thatched and flood-prone houses before Montha’s full impact is felt.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, overseeing operations in the eight red-zone districts — including Gajapati, Ganjam, and Rayagada — confirmed the deployment of 140 teams, comprising more than 5,000 personnel from the NDRF, ODRAF, and Fire Services.

“Zero casualty is our mantra,” Pujari said, emphasizing that rescue and evacuation are being conducted with utmost precision.

Precautionary Measures in Full Force

Schools, anganwadis, and government institutions in high-risk areas will remain closed until October 30, as per the government directive. Fisherfolk have been banned from venturing into the sea, where wave heights are touching nearly five metres due to Montha’s strong winds.

District authorities are working to clear debris, reinforce weak embankments, and secure electricity and water supply infrastructure. Hospitals in southern Odisha have also been placed on emergency alert, with special focus on maternity and pediatric care, given the number of expectant mothers shifted to shelters.

Bracing for the Storm’s Fury

With the cyclone’s moisture bands already dumping heavy rain, Gajapati, Ganjam, and Rayagada are on the edge of crisis. Landslide-prone slopes are being monitored closely, and additional shelters have been opened in vulnerable hamlets.

Even as Odisha prepares to face the full brunt of Cyclone Montha, the death of Surendra Gamang stands as a poignant reminder of the human cost of disaster preparedness — and the silent sacrifices of those who work tirelessly to protect others.