Bhubaneswar: Cyclone Montha, brewing over the southwest Bay of Bengal, has put Odisha on high alert as the state braces for heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and potential flooding over the next two days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red warning for eight southern districts, including Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Kandhamal, and Kalahandi, predicting extremely heavy downpours and strong winds up to 100 kmph.
According to IMD officials, the well-marked low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a depression and is expected to further strengthen into a cyclonic storm as it approaches the north Tamil Nadu–south Andhra Pradesh coast. Although the system may not make direct landfall in Odisha, its outer bands are likely to bring intense rainfall and thunderstorms across southern and coastal regions of the state.
“We are closely monitoring the system. Southern Odisha districts are likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall with gusty winds. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into sea till further notice,” said an IMD official from Bhubaneswar.
Evacuations and Preparations Underway
Chief Minister Mohan Majhi chaired an emergency review meeting on Monday and directed district administrations to ensure “zero casualties.” So far, around 11,000 people from low-lying and vulnerable areas have been evacuated to safer shelters, particularly in Ganjam and Gajapati districts. Relief camps have been activated and rescue teams from the NDRF, ODRAF, and fire services have been deployed across high-risk zones.
Power supply and communication departments have been put on alert, and emergency stock of food, water, and medicines has been dispatched to cyclone shelters. The Special Relief Commissioner’s (SRC) office has advised residents in vulnerable areas to remain indoors during the peak of the storm and avoid crossing swollen rivers or waterlogged roads.
Flood and Landslide Concerns
With the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall (over 20 cm per day) between October 28–29, the IMD has warned of flash floods and landslides in hilly regions of Koraput, Rayagada, and Kandhamal. The coastal districts of Puri, Khordha, and Jagatsinghpur are also expected to receive moderate rainfall accompanied by strong winds.
Agriculture experts have expressed concern over potential damage to standing paddy and vegetable crops, especially in rain-fed regions. Power and transport services are likely to be disrupted temporarily due to falling trees and waterlogging.
Cyclone May Weaken After Landfall
Meteorologists suggest that Cyclone Montha may weaken gradually after making landfall along the Andhra coast late Tuesday night or early Wednesday. However, the system’s remnants could continue to dump heavy rainfall over interior Odisha before moving northwestward.
The state government has appealed to citizens not to panic and to follow official updates. Control rooms at the district and state levels are operational 24×7 to monitor the situation and coordinate rescue and relief measures.
