Odisha Braces for Cyclone Montha, Over 3,000 Evacuated as State Stays on High Alert

Bhubaneswar | October 28, 2025 The Odisha government has placed its entire administrative network on high alert as Cyclone Montha approaches the state’s southern coast, prompting widespread precautionary measures and large-scale evacuations. The cyclone is projected to make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, on the evening or night of October 28, according to official forecasts. Chief Minister and senior officials have directed district administrations, disaster management teams, and emergency services to remain fully mobilized. Departments of Revenue and Disaster Management (R&DM), Agriculture, Health, and Energy conducted a detailed review of preparedness, ensuring that ground-level units are equipped to minimize damage and achieve the government’s goal of “zero casualty.” R&DM Minister Suresh Pujari announced that 140 teams from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and Fire Services have been strategically deployed across eight cyclone-prone districts — Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur. Senior officers have been assigned to each district to oversee rescue and relief operations, while coordination with the Indian Coast Guard has ensured that all fishing boats and trawlers have returned to shore safely. As a precautionary measure, more than 3,000 residents from vulnerable coastal and low-lying regions have already been shifted to 1,445 designated cyclone shelters in southern Odisha. Authorities plan to relocate an additional 32,000 people before the storm’s expected landfall. Both dry rations and freshly cooked meals are being arranged at the shelters to accommodate evacuees, ensuring access to basic necessities during the storm’s passage. The government has also prioritized the safety of pregnant women and other vulnerable groups. So far, 1,496 pregnant women have been relocated to nearby Primary and Community Health Centres, with another 760 currently being shifted. The Health and Family Welfare Department confirmed that 4,511 pregnant women, including 3,823 from the high-risk districts, are under special monitoring. Hospitals have been stocked with emergency supplies, and medical teams are on standby to handle post-cyclone health situations. Meanwhile, the Agriculture Department has urged farmers to take urgent preventive steps to protect standing crops. An advisory issued Monday recommends that farmers harvest paddy and other crops that are at least 85 percent mature and store them in safe, elevated locations. They have also been asked to use polythene sheets to cover harvested produce, ensure proper drainage of stormwater from fields, and prepare for potential pest outbreaks following the cyclone. Agriculture Principal Secretary Arabinda Kumar Padhee directed all field officers to remain on duty until October 31 and instructed immediate crop loss assessment once the water recedes. The Energy Department, too, has been tasked with pre-positioning repair teams and equipment to restore electricity swiftly in affected areas. With the cyclone’s landfall imminent, Odisha’s disaster management apparatus is operating at full capacity. The coordinated response—spanning rescue teams, health services, and agricultural support—reflects the state’s determination to safeguard lives and livelihoods as Cyclone Montha nears its coast. Odisha on High Alert as Cyclone Montha Approaches Odisha has intensified preparations as Cyclone Montha nears landfall near Kakinada on October 28. The state government has evacuated over 3,000 people from vulnerable areas to 1,445 cyclone shelters, with plans to move thousands more. Around 140 teams from NDRF, ODRAF, and Fire Services are deployed across eight high-risk districts. Authorities are ensuring food, shelter, and medical aid, with special care for pregnant women. Farmers have been advised to harvest mature crops and safeguard produce. Officials say all departments are on high alert, aiming to achieve the “zero casualty” target as the cyclone moves closer to the coast.