Odisha is on high alert as a deep depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal, named Month — a pre‑cyclonic system that could turn into a severe storm — moves closer to the coast.
State Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said in a meeting on Sunday that eight districts in southern Odisha are already in the Red Zone: Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur.
“Even if the system changes course, all 30 district administrations must stay ready,” Pujari told reporters. “We’ve instructed the collectors to be prepared for any shift in the cyclone’s path.”
The storm is traveling west‑northwest at roughly 6 km (3.7 mph) per hour. In the next 24 hours, experts expect it to strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm, likely hitting the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam near Kakinada by October 28 evening or night. Malkangiri sits about 200 km from the projected landfall point.
The ministry held a high‑level briefing with collectors from all 30 districts to review pre‑cyclone plans. Collectors not directly in the Red Zone have been told to send additional support teams to neighboring districts if needed.
“Last months, heavy rains have triggered many landslides across Odisha,” said Pujari. “Collectors must spot hilly regions at risk and implement safety measures.”
In response, the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and fire services have already moved to Gajapati district, where landslides could occur. Energy, Health, and Water Resources teams were also consulted to prevent power outages, ensure medicine supplies, and manage potential waterlogging or rising river levels.
Fishermen have been ordered to stay onshore; fishing remains banned from October 27 to 31. In Gajapati’s high‑altitude areas, such as Mahendragiri, residents are relocating to safer, lower areas.
Collectors must evacuate everyone from vulnerable zones to cyclone and flood shelters, schools, or community centres by 5 p.m. tomorrow. So far, 128 ODRAF, NDRF, and fire service teams are deployed across the eight Red‑Zone districts.
The state also cracked down on black‑market sales of essential goods. All employees in cyclone‑prone districts will work through the event, and schools have been closed for safety.
Odisha’s leaders urge residents to stay informed, remain vigilant, and follow evacuation orders promptly to protect themselves and their families from the looming threat of Cyclone Montha.
Source: ianslive
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