The Odisha government has intensified preparations to tackle the possible cyclone over the Bay of Bengal, focusing on protecting lives, preventing property damage and ensuring a swift emergency response. Several departments, including Agriculture, Energy, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water, Rural Development and Water Resources, have been directed to remain prepared. Fire Services and the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) have also been placed on alert.

Agriculture Department Issues Advisory

The Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Department has advised farmers to harvest paddy that is 80–85% mature and store it safely. Harvested crops should be covered with polythene, while field drains must be kept clear to prevent waterlogging. Fertiliser and pesticide application should be temporarily suspended.

Farmers have also been advised to harvest mature maize, millets, pulses and ready-to-pick vegetables before rainfall. Post-rain measures include draining excess water and checking crops for pests and diseases.

Power Department Activates Control Room

Power distribution companies have been instructed to activate disaster management plans, deploy field staff and stock essential equipment, including poles, transformers and wires. Tree branches near power lines are being cleared as a precaution.

A 24-hour control room has been activated under GRIDCO to coordinate with OPTCL, SLDC and distribution companies and ensure rapid restoration of electricity in case of disruptions.

Fisheries and Animal Safety Measures

Fishermen have been directed to return to shore by October 24 and avoid venturing into the deep sea. Veterinary hospitals and dispensaries are stocking essential medicines, while arrangements are being made to protect livestock and ensure fodder availability.

Water Resources and Rural Development

The Water Resources Department is monitoring reservoir levels and river embankments to manage possible flooding. Rural Development officials have kept teams, machinery and materials ready for road repairs, debris clearance and restoration of connectivity.

The Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department is also preparing to relocate people from vulnerable houses and maintain water supply in low-lying areas.

ODRAF and Fire Services on Alert

Fire Services teams have been equipped with rescue boats and emergency tools. ODRAF units are on high alert, with a 24-hour control room operating in Bhubaneswar. Teams are ready for deployment, with coordination between district police and rescue personnel prioritised.

The government has directed all departments to work together to ensure public safety and facilitate rapid relief and recovery operations.

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A high-level review meeting on the post-cyclone situation was held today under the chairmanship of Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Shri Suresh Pujari. The meeting was attended by Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Shri Deoranjan Kumar Singh and other senior officials, who discussed various aspects of post-cyclone restoration and relief measures.

Government’s Timely Preparedness Paid Off

Addressing media representatives after the meeting, Minister Pujari recalled that on this very day in 1999 (October 29), the Super Cyclone had devastated Odisha, causing massive loss of life and property. However, this time, the government’s proactive preparedness and effective coordination among departments helped avert major damage during Cyclone Montha.

He said that based on the India Meteorological Department’s early forecasts, the state government launched a comprehensive pre-cyclone preparedness drive, ensuring that all departments—from district to grassroots levels—were ready to tackle any emergency. He also appreciated the role of the media in creating public awareness and helping people stay alert.

“Fortunately, although the public was anxious, the cyclone changed its course at the last moment, sparing Odisha from severe impact,” Pujari said.

Multi-Agency Deployment

For effective disaster response, a total of 161 teams were deployed, including 33 ODRAF teams, 5 NDRF units, and 133 fire service teams.
A total of 2,164 cyclone and flood shelters were identified, and 18,732 people were safely evacuated and provided with all necessary facilities.

In addition, 2,198 pregnant women were shifted to nearby health centres and maternity homes, where many have since delivered safely.

Medical and Veterinary Support

To ensure health safety, 60 medical teams were deployed across potentially affected regions. For the protection of livestock, 35 veterinary teams were also on duty. The cyclone affected 33 blocks, 11 urban areas, and 358 villages, while 362 community kitchens served cooked food to 18,732 evacuees.

Restoration of Power and Road Connectivity

The Energy Department ensured uninterrupted power supply during the storm, with rapid restoration in areas that experienced disruption. Fallen trees blocking roads were immediately cleared to restore normal traffic movement.

“Normalcy is expected to be fully restored by October 31, and damage assessment will begin from October 30, following which necessary government assistance will be provided to the affected,” the Minister assured.

Heavy Rainfall Recorded in Southern Districts

During the past 24 hours, Gosani block of Gajapati district recorded the highest rainfall of 150.5 mm. Other areas with over 100 mm of rainfall include Rayagada (119.8 mm), Mohana (106 mm), Patrapur in Ganjam (117.4 mm), and Udala in Mayurbhanj (105 mm). Additionally, 56 other blocks and urban areas recorded rainfall between 50 mm and 100 mm.

Effective Coordination Averted Major Loss

SRC Shri D.K. Singh noted that the government had started its pre-cyclone planning and coordination well in advance, with regular meetings involving Collectors and department Secretaries. “Due to this coordinated approach, the state successfully prevented loss of life and major property damage,” he stated.

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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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As Cyclone Montha edges closer to landfall on Tuesday evening, Odisha braces for another fierce test of resilience. Torrential rains have already begun sweeping across the state, and the administration is on high alert, relocating residents from vulnerable coastal and hilly regions to safer shelters. Amid this, former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik issued a heartfelt video message to the people of Odisha — urging them not to panic but to stay alert and united.

“Do Not Fear, Stay Alert”: Naveen’s Appeal to the People

In his video address, Patnaik said, “My dear brothers and sisters, as you know, Cyclone Montha is approaching. We have faced many cyclones successfully in the past. So do not be afraid. Stay alert and fully cooperate with the administration.”
He also called upon his party workers to stand by the people during these difficult hours — helping the administration and offering every possible support to those in distress. “We have always faced disasters together, and we will face this one too,” he concluded, ending with “Bande Utkala Janani.”

A Legacy of Preparedness and Resilience

Odisha’s battle-hardened disaster management system — shaped during Patnaik’s 24-year tenure — continues to be a global model. From the devastating 1999 Super Cyclone, which claimed over 10,000 lives, to subsequent storms like Fani, Hudhud, Titli, Yaas, and Phailin, the state has moved from tragedy to triumph through strategic preparedness and community participation.

Patnaik’s emphasis on “Zero Casualty” and rapid response infrastructure has transformed Odisha’s approach to natural disasters. His administration built thousands of cyclone shelters, established the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), and integrated real-time technology and grassroots mobilization into disaster response.

Admiration from Across the Spectrum

Senior BJD leader and former minister Ashok Panda noted that Odisha’s current safety net is a direct result of Patnaik’s long-term planning post-1999. “Back then, Odisha faced unimaginable loss. But Naveen Babu’s focus on preparedness and public awareness has saved countless lives since,” he said.
Former PCC president Jayadev Jena echoed similar sentiments, adding, “Odisha learned its lessons after 1999. Every year, it has only improved its disaster response. Today, as Montha nears, that spirit of readiness is once again visible.”

As the state braces for Montha’s landfall near Andhra Pradesh’s Kakinada, Odisha’s model of coordinated governance, community trust, and calm leadership — championed by Naveen Patnaik — remains its greatest shield against nature’s wrath.

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State Strengthens Measures Ahead of Potential Cyclone Montha

A high-level meeting on pre-cyclone montha preparedness was held in Odisha with Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Shri Suresh Pujari and Independent Relief Commissioner Shri Deoranjan Kumar Singh, along with the district collectors of potentially affected districts. The discussion focused on detailed strategies to minimize the impact of the approaching cyclone, expected to affect southern and coastal Odisha from October 27 to 29, 2025, with heavy rainfall in 15 districts.

According to the Bhubaneswar regional office of the India Meteorological Department, the cyclone montha is currently in a deep depression stage, and its path remains uncertain. Considering past experiences and current conditions, the government has taken all precautionary measures to ensure public safety.

Coordination Across Departments and Agencies

Minister Pujari highlighted that NDMA, ODRAF, and the Fire Services have been placed on high alert. Departments including Agriculture, Water Resources, Energy, Panchayati Raj, Health, Cooperatives, Rural Development, and Animal Husbandry are coordinating closely to strengthen preparedness at all levels. Low-lying and flood-prone areas have been identified, and cyclone shelters are ready with essential supplies, including food, drinking water, fodder, and medicines.

Shri Pujari emphasized that the government is focused on safeguarding lives and property. Special attention is also being given to areas affected by previous floods and urban flooding. Compensation for affected people from earlier rainfall events has been provided promptly.

Public Advised to Stay Alert and Follow Official Instructions

The Minister advised citizens to remain calm, follow government instructions, and avoid panic. Independent Relief Commissioner Shri Singh urged the public to take all official cyclone-related advisories seriously and assured that the government will continue to provide real-time updates to ensure the safety of residents.

The proactive measures reflect Odisha’s commitment to disaster preparedness, aiming to mitigate the cyclone’s impact while ensuring timely response and support to affected communities.

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