Bhubaneswar, Oct 27: As Cyclone Montha inches closer to the Andhra Pradesh coast, Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Monday reaffirmed the state’s commitment to ensuring “zero casualty” through proactive disaster preparedness.

Speaking after a high-level review meeting, Pujari emphasized that arrangements have been made at every administrative level to minimize damage and safeguard lives.

Latest Update on Cyclone Montha

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Montha has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm. As of Monday afternoon, it was located approximately 680 km south-southeast of Kakinada and 850 km south of Gopalpur, Odisha. Red alerts have been issued for coastal districts in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, with schools closed and evacuations underway.

After landfall in Andhra Pradesh, the storm is expected to move toward Chhattisgarh, passing through Odisha’s Malkangiri district. The system is likely to trigger heavy rainfall in several districts across Odisha and Chhattisgarh, which may cause a rise in the water level of the Mahanadi River.

Also Read: Cyclone Montha: East Coast Railway Cancels 43 Trains

Focus on Vulnerable Zones

Special attention is being given to hilly districts such as Gajapati, Koraput, and Malkangiri, where the risk of landslides is high. Evacuation efforts are underway in low-lying and vulnerable areas, with residents being moved to cyclone shelters and school buildings. Odisha Police have been tasked with securing evacuated properties.

The Water Resources Department has begun releasing water from reservoirs, which are at 88% capacity, to accommodate expected inflows. Around 200 expectant mothers have been relocated to nearby health centers, and tourists in elevated regions have been advised to move to safer locations.

Aerial Surveillance and Coordination

The Special Relief Commissioner is coordinating with the Indian Coast Guard to deploy helicopters for aerial monitoring. A total of 128 teams from ODRAF, NDRF, and Fire Services have been stationed across eight red-zone districts.

Minister Pujari urged people to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary and assured that the government is fully prepared to face the cyclone’s impact.