As the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal intensifies and moves closer to the coastline, the state of Odisha has declared a high alert across all its 30 districts. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted that Cyclone “Montha” will make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada, on the evening or night of October 28. In light of these warnings, the Odisha government has sprung into action to ensure preparedness, safety, and timely evacuation.
Among the thirty districts of Odisha, seven have received the highest level of warning from the IMD – a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall and potential severe weather. These districts are Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Ganjam, and Gajapati. The IMD cautions of wind speeds likely reaching 100–110 kmph as the cyclone nears landfall, along with the risk of flash floods, landslides, and widespread disruption to daily life.
The geography of southern Odisha, characterized by hilly terrain and river systems, makes these regions highly susceptible to landslides and rapid flooding. Local administrations in these districts have begun relocating vulnerable populations to safer shelters and are closely monitoring the rising river levels.
While the southern districts are under red alert, Odisha’s coastal and interior districts such as Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khurda, Cuttack, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Nuapada, and Nayagarh have been placed under orange or yellow warnings. These alerts indicate the likelihood of heavy precipitation, thunderstorms, and strong winds ranging from 60–80 kmph, further elevating the risk of urban and rural flooding, road blockages, and damage to infrastructure.
State authorities are urging residents in these regions to prepare for possible disruptions, including power outages, limited transportation, and access limitations, particularly in low-lying areas.
Responding to the severity of the situation, Odisha’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari has announced that men and machinery are ready in all districts, with a special emphasis on the most at-risk southern and coastal areas. District collectors have received strict instructions to identify and evacuate people from low-lying and flood-prone zones before landfall. Additionally, all leaves of government employees in critical regions have been cancelled to ensure a seamless disaster management effort.
The state’s disaster response teams have been mobilized, equipped with boats, rescue gear, and emergency supplies. Temporary shelters have been established, and arrangements for food, water, and medical care are underway to support those likely to be displaced by storms or floods.
The IMD forecasts that Cyclone Montha will transform into a severe cyclonic storm before striking land. As the weather system advances, Odisha is expected to experience extremely heavy rainfall concentrated between October 28 and 29, particularly in the southern districts. Wind gusts could escalate to 110 kmph, and the sea conditions are predicted to be rough to very rough, prompting a strict advisory for fishermen not to venture out starting Sunday evening.
Citizens have been firmly advised to follow IMD bulletins and local disaster management advisories. Those in at-risk zones are being asked to move to designated cyclone shelters, keep emergency kits ready, and remain cautious of downed power lines, fallen trees, and rapidly rising water levels.
Mass evacuation efforts are being organized, focusing on vulnerable villages in southern and coastal regions. Odisha’s robust disaster response infrastructure, built since past cyclonic events, has enabled swifter mobilization and coordination among police, fire services, NGOs, and local volunteers. The government assures that food and medical teams are pre-positioned, with an emphasis on protecting children, the elderly, and those with disabilities.
As schools and public offices prepare for temporary closures, emergency helplines have been activated to disseminate information and offer assistance. The government is also working with telecommunications providers to ensure uninterrupted communication, a crucial factor in managing the disaster response.
Odisha has faced the fury of cyclones in previous years, and its enhanced preparedness this time demonstrates lessons learned from those experiences. The state’s proactive approach—combining early warnings, rapid evacuations, and mass mobilization—underscores its commitment to minimizing loss of life and property.
With Cyclone Montha moving closer, the next 48 hours are critical. The entire state remains on high alert, and the government urges citizens to cooperate with directives, take preventive measures, and stay indoors as much as possible during the storm. The severity of the weather calls for community solidarity and caution, as Odisha braces for the impact of what could be one of the season’s strongest cyclonic events.