Cyclone Montha Strikes: Odisha Braces for Impact

Cyclone 'Montha' has intensified into a severe storm, drenching eight southern Odisha districts, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). In response, the Odisha government has evacuated residents from vulnerable low-lying and hilly areas, deploying 140 rescue teams comprising over 5,000 personnel from the NDRF, ODRAF, and Fire Services.

Authorities have announced the closure of schools and anganwadi centers in nine districts until October 30 and have modified train schedules in the Waltair region. Government employees' leaves have been canceled, and sea beaches have been sealed to prevent access by tourists and locals, as confirmed by Special Relief Commissioner D K Singh.

Evacuated individuals are being accommodated in over 1,400 cyclone shelters with necessary provisions, and pregnant women are being transferred to hospitals. The state has advised fishermen to avoid the Bay of Bengal. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is set to review the situation, while the IMD forecasts the cyclone's continuation toward the Andhra Pradesh coast with significant rainfall and wind speeds.