Bhubaneswar The cyclonic storm “Montha” over southwest & adjoining areas of westcentral and southeast Bay of Bengal was 750 km south of Odisha’s Gopalpur at 8.30 am on Monday.
According to the India Meteorological Department, the system is expected to move north-northwestwards and intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by morning of October 28. It is expected to make landfall near Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh, about 200 km from Odisha’s Malkangiri, later in the evening as a severe cyclonic storm.
Montha is likely to bring sustained winds blowing at 90 to 100 kmph, gusting up to 110 kmph, and trigger heavy rainfall, squally weather, and rough sea conditions along Odisha coast for the next two days. The cyclone would impact 15 districts, eight of which are under the red zone and may experience extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds.
The IMD has issued red and orange warnings for the districts of Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Khurda, Puri, Nayagarh, Nuapada, Balangir, Boudh and Sonepur on October 28-29. An alert has also been sounded across the Odisha coast from Ganjam to Balasore, with authorities urging fishermen not to venture into the sea till October 30.
According to meteorologist Biswajit Sahoo, there is a possibility that the system may weaken before landfall. However, heavy rainfall will lash South and coastal Odisha, including Puri and Ganjam, starting Tuesday. “The impact of the wind will not be particularly significant in the state,” he added.
Odisha takes steps to mitigate cyclone’s impact
While all 30 districts in Odisha have been put on alert with men and machinery for rescue operations, in view of a possible change in the trajectory of the cyclone, people are being evacuated from low-lying and hilly terrains, susceptible to landslides, in the eight southern districts in apprehension of severe weather conditions.
The district collectors have been directed to complete evacuation from vulnerable zones by 5 pm, and to act firmly against black marketing of essential commodities. All Anganwadi centres and schools will remain closed in these eight districts till October 30.
Additionally, leaves of government officials and employees in these districts have been cancelled, informed Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Deoranjan Kumar Singh on Monday.
Over 5,000 highly skilled personnel in 24 teams of the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF)—five from NDRF and 99 Fire Service teams in these eight districts as a precautionary measure. “As the red alert has been issued, 123 teams have been deployed at Berhampur RDC circle. Admins in southern Odisha districts are on guard. 144 teams will remain here to address urban flooding and other regular incidents. JCBs have been kept in the hilly areas so that the debris can be removed as quickly as possible. We appeal to all not to come out of their homes and follow the guidelines issued by the government,” Chief Fire Officer, Odisha, Ramesh Majhi told media.
On Sunday, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said the state has conducted emergency reviews and activated cyclone shelters and relief centres. “Essential commodities are stocked, and pregnant women are being shifted to health centres. We are ensuring uninterrupted power, water, and medical supplies,” he added.
The Puri administration has imposed restrictions on the entry of tourists to the sea beaches on October 27, 28 and 29 in view of Cyclone Montha.
All major tourist places, including B N Palace in Paralakhemundi, Mahendragiri hill and Buddhist monastery at Jirang, and 8 waterfalls have also been shut in Gajapati district for the safety of visitors. As many as 139 places that are vulnerable to landslides have been identified in the district, where 12 people died due to landslides when Cyclone Titli hit the state’s coast in 2018. The administration has also deployed modern equipment to clear roads in case of landslides.
Gajapati Collector Madhumita said that the officials are shifting ‘sadhus’ living in the hills to the plains as well as pregnant women and elderly persons to hospitals and safe shelters.
In Ganjam, about 110 multipurpose cyclone and flood shelters including schools have been kept ready.