Cyclone Montha Alters Course, Odisha Minimizes Damage

Cyclone Montha, initially a severe threat, has been downgraded to a deep depression, sparing Odisha from significant damage. This shift, largely due to a change in the storm's trajectory, has resulted in moderate rather than catastrophic rainfall across the southern districts, officials confirmed on Wednesday.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari expressed relief, attributing the limited impact to both divine intervention and effective disaster preparedness. The cyclone altered its predicted course, making landfall near Amalapuram, Andhra Pradesh, sparing Odisha's coastal regions from the worst predictions despite widespread infrastructural damage.

The state government, referencing the devastating 1999 cyclone anniversary, had mobilized extensive resources. This included evacuation measures and the establishment of free kitchen services. Energy restoration and road clearance efforts were swift, with normalcy expected post-haste. Monitoring will continue until October 31 as damage assessments proceed.