Storm Makes Landfall Near Narsapuram

The very severe cyclonic storm Montha made landfall near Narsapuram in Andhra Pradesh around 7 PM on Tuesday, bringing with it winds of 90–100 kmph, gusting up to 110 kmph, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The landfall process lasted nearly five hours, causing torrential rain and storm surges that inundated low-lying areas along the Machilipatnam, Kakinada, and Nellore coasts.

Powerful waves surged as far as 500 metres inland, uprooting trees and damaging homes. However, the storm eventually changed its trajectory, sparing Odisha a direct hit that could have led to far greater destruction.

Heavy Rains Lash Southern Odisha

Even though Odisha avoided the storm’s eye, its southern districts bore the brunt of heavy rainfall and strong winds. Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, and Ganjam recorded intense showers accompanied by gusty winds.
Gajapati emerged as the worst-affected district, where hill slopes caved in and several landslides were reported.

The IMD has issued a red alert for Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Koraput, Kalahandi, and Rayagada, predicting wind speeds of 50–60 kmph and heavy rain.
An orange warning has also been sounded for Nuapada, Bolangir, Bargarh, Sonepur, Sambalpur, Boudh, Kandhamal, Gajapati, and Ganjam.

The weakened system is now moving northward toward Chhattisgarh and is expected to lose intensity further by Wednesday morning.

Evacuations and Preparedness

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi chaired a high-level review meeting at the Lok Seva Bhawan, where he reiterated that “zero casualty” remains the state’s primary objective.

According to official sources, 17,817 people from eight vulnerable districts have been evacuated to 2,048 shelters.
Additionally, 2,198 pregnant women have been shifted to nearby health centres as a precautionary measure.

Rescue and response teams have been strategically deployed:

• ODRAF: 30 teams

• NDRF: 5 teams

• Fire Service: 123 teams

The Special Relief Commissioner’s office confirmed that schools and anganwadis in affected areas will remain closed till October 30.

Port and Fishermen Warnings

The IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea along the Odisha coast till October 30, and over the west-central and southeast Bay of Bengal till Wednesday.
Ports have raised cautionary signals — Signal No. 3 at Gopalpur and Signal No. 2 at Paradip and other minor ports.

Majhi Credits “Divine Grace” and Prepared Governance

Speaking after the review, Chief Minister Majhi said that the minimal damage caused by Cyclone Montha was “divine grace” and a result of meticulous preparedness based on lessons learned from past cyclones like Dana.

He emphasized that post-storm crop damage assessments would be completed swiftly to ensure timely compensation for affected farmers. “Our proactive evacuation and disaster management strategy have paid off,” he remarked.

The post Cyclone Montha Batters Andhra Coast, Odisha Braces for Heavy Rains with Minimal Direct Hit appeared first on Odisha Connect.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today reviewed the preparedness for Cyclone Montha at the Lok Seva Bhavan, directing officials to ensure that no individual remains in vulnerable areas during the storm. He emphasized that the state government’s primary goal is zero casualty, reiterating that Odisha is fully prepared to handle the cyclone’s impact.

Even though the cyclone is expected to cross the coast in Andhra Pradesh, heavy rainfall and strong winds are anticipated in several southern Odisha districts, prompting comprehensive precautionary measures.

30 ODRAF, 5 NDRF and 123 Fire Teams Deployed

The Chief Minister was informed that 30 ODRAF teams, 5 NDRF units, and 123 Fire Service teams have already been deployed across vulnerable regions, with additional teams on standby. He instructed all departments to maintain high alert and ensure quick restoration of essential services once the cyclone subsides.

2,048 Shelters Ready, 11,396 People Already Shifted

As part of pre-cyclone evacuation, 2,048 multipurpose cyclone and flood shelters have been prepared across eight highly vulnerable districts—Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur.
So far, 11,396 people have been evacuated to safety, and arrangements are in place to shift another 30,554 if required.

Special attention has been given to expectant mothers—1,871 pregnant women have already been moved to health facilities, and an additional 822 will be shifted soon, totaling 2,693.

Priority on Farmer Support and Quick Damage Assessment

With the harvesting season underway, the Chief Minister directed the Agriculture Department to carry out immediate crop damage assessments post-cyclone and ensure timely financial assistance to affected farmers.
He reminded officials that, during last year’s Cyclone Dana, Odisha achieved zero casualty through effective evacuation strategies, urging them to replicate that success.

Infrastructure and Emergency Services on High Alert

The Engineering Departments have been instructed to remain ready for rapid restoration of roads, electricity, and water supply. Teams have been asked to clear fallen trees and debris immediately after the cyclone.
Backup DG sets have been placed in all critical facilities to ensure uninterrupted power.
Health centers in vulnerable areas have been stocked with anti-snakebite injections, medicines, and emergency medical kits.

Schools Closed, Tourist Movement Restricted

All schools and Anganwadi centers in the eight districts will remain closed until October 30, with possible extension depending on weather conditions.
The government has also banned tourist activities in coastal and hilly regions until October 31.
Fishermen have been strictly warned not to venture into the sea until further notice.

Continuous Monitoring and Coordination at the Highest Level

The Chief Minister informed that Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari has been chairing daily review meetings for the past three days to oversee preparedness. All departments are in constant coordination, while District Collectors and Secretaries are monitoring local execution of safety protocols.

During the meeting, presentations were made by the Special Relief Commissioner, Director General of Police, and Secretaries of various departments, highlighting ongoing efforts and contingency plans.
Top officials including Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Development Commissioner Anu Garg, and senior officers of key departments attended the meeting. Collectors joined virtually from their respective districts.

“Odisha is Fully Prepared” – CM Majhi

Concluding the review, CM Majhi reiterated:

“Every life is precious. Our goal remains Zero Casualty. The state government is fully prepared to handle Cyclone Montha and protect our people.”

He urged all officers to remain vigilant and ensure swift response before, during, and after the cyclone’s landfall.

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