Bhubaneswar: In the midst of the fear and chaos caused by severe cyclonic storm Montha, a touching scene of happiness unfolded at Kashinagar in Odisha’s Gajapati district.
A woman delivered a baby boy at the Maa Gruha maternity home as the storm raged on Tuesday and the family and medical staff named the infant “Montha,” drawing inspiration from the cyclone itself. “Two women were brought to the health facility on Monday evening. One among them complained of labour pain and delivered a male child at 12.20 pm. I suggested that the baby be named Montha,” said an attendant.
The Gajapati administration had shifted 171 pregnant women to nearby hospitals and maternity homes for safety and care.
More than 200 babies were born to mothers who were shifted from different villages to nearby government hospitals in view of the Cyclone Montha, according to the Health and Family Welfare Department.
By Tuesday afternoon, the department had identified 4,511 pregnant women nearing delivery across various districts, and health workers were in direct contact with them. Of these, 3,823 women were from the eight districts under red warning. “By evening, approximately 1,900 women from low-lying and sensitive areas, which were likely to be cut off due to heavy rainfall, were relocated to maternity homes and health centres. Among them, more than 202 have already achieved safe motherhood,” said an official statement issued by the department.
Cyclone Impact In Gajapati
Landslides caused major disruptions in Gajapati as the cyclonic system brought strong winds and incessant rain. A landslide was reported in Partada panchayat under Kashinagar block, where rocks rolled onto the road, halting vehicle traffic. Likewise, a landslide occurred at Badagaon ghat in the R Udayagiri block, obstructing the route connecting Ramgiri, Badagaon, and five surrounding villages, as well as traffic to Berhampur. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, as the area was deserted owing to the heavy downpour.
Gosani block in the district recorded the highest rainfall of 150.5 mm.
In Kasinagar block, heavy water flow in the Gumma canal also disrupted road communication to Khinga and Bada Khinga villages under Ranipentha panchayat, leaving the villages temporarily cut off. The Bansadhara River, which flows through Kasinagar, is currently flowing below the danger mark of 54.60 metres.
One NDRF and three ODRAF teams along with 12 from Fire Service were deployed to carry out rescue and restoration.
