Bhubaneswar, Oct 28: As Cyclone ‘Montha’ inches closer to the Andhra Pradesh coast, the Odisha government has intensified evacuation efforts, moving 11,396 people from vulnerable coastal and low-lying areas to safer shelters. The government aims to evacuate a total of around 30,554 people as the situation evolves.

According to the Special Relief Commissioner’s (SRC) office, the cyclone is expected to have a major impact on eight southern districts—Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur. In a precautionary move, 2,693 pregnant women have been shifted to nearby healthcare facilities for their safety.

To tackle the impending disaster, 30 ODRAF teams, 5 NDRF teams, and 123 Fire Service units have been deployed across the vulnerable districts, with additional forces on standby. Schools and Anganwadi centers will remain closed until October 30.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reviewed the state’s preparedness at Lok Seva Bhawan, emphasizing “zero casualties” as the top priority. He instructed departments to stay on high alert, ensure quick restoration of essential services, and provide immediate relief to affected farmers as the cyclone coincides with the harvesting season.

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