Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on October 28 chaired a high-level review meeting at Lok Seva Bhavan to assess the state’s preparedness for Cyclone Montha. Emphasizing that “zero casualty” remains the government’s top priority during every disaster, the Chief Minister directed officials to ensure that no individual in vulnerable areas is left behind and that all residents are safely evacuated to shelters or safer locations.
Although the cyclone is expected to make landfall in Andhra Pradesh, Majhi cautioned that several districts in Odisha, particularly in the southern region, are likely to experience heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds. He instructed the administration to remain on high alert and to ensure maximum readiness for any eventuality.
“Even if the cyclone crosses through Andhra Pradesh, the southern districts of Odisha may face severe weather. Therefore, it is crucial that no one stays in vulnerable areas — everyone must be shifted to safe shelters. Our goal remains zero casualty,” the Chief Minister said during the review.
Majhi noted that Odisha had successfully achieved zero casualties during Cyclone Dana last year by ensuring timely evacuation of people from affected areas. He described evacuation as the “most vital strategy” in minimizing loss of life and urged the administration to give top priority to this aspect once again.
To ensure rapid restoration of essential services after the cyclone, the Chief Minister directed all engineering departments to remain fully prepared. He stressed that special teams should be on standby to remove uprooted trees and debris to keep roads clear and accessible.
Highlighting that the ongoing period is crucial for the harvesting of crops, Majhi instructed the Agriculture Department to conduct immediate assessments of crop damage following the cyclone and to provide compensation and assistance to affected farmers without delay.
He informed that over the past three days, the Revenue Minister has been chairing daily review meetings to strengthen the preparedness measures. “All departments are fully geared up, but secretaries and district collectors must closely monitor the implementation of every measure to ensure there are no lapses,” he added.
During the meeting, the Special Relief Commissioner, Director General of Police, and senior secretaries of various departments presented detailed reports on their respective preparations.
According to updates presented in the meeting, eight southern districts — Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur — are expected to face the maximum impact of the cyclone. The government has readied 2,048 multipurpose cyclone and flood shelters to accommodate people from vulnerable areas. So far, 11,396 individuals have been evacuated, and another 30,554 people are on standby for evacuation if the situation demands.
In addition, 2,693 pregnant women have been moved to healthcare facilities for safety and timely medical care.
To handle emergencies, 30 ODRAF teams, 5 NDRF teams, and 123 Fire Service units have been deployed across the affected districts. Additional teams remain on standby for rapid mobilization.
All schools and Anganwadi centres in the eight cyclone-prone districts will remain closed until October 30, and the holiday period may be extended depending on the situation.
The engineering departments have ensured uninterrupted power and drinking water supply in critical areas, while diesel generator sets have been provided to all essential service institutions. Health centres in affected areas have stocked sufficient quantities of anti-venom injections, medicines, and emergency medical kits.
As a precautionary measure, the government has imposed a ban on tourist movement in coastal and hilly regions until October 31, and fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the sea until further notice.
Among those present during the review meeting were Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Development Commissioner Anu Garg, Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue & Disaster Management) Deo Ranjan Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Satyabrata Sahu, and Director General of Police Y.B. Khurania. Senior secretaries and heads of departments attended the meeting, while district collectors joined virtually.
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