Bhubaneswar: Southern and interior parts of Odisha are experiencing extremely heavy rainfall today as the remnants of Severe Cyclonic Storm Montha move inland following its landfall on the neighbouring Andhra Pradesh coast late Tuesday night.
The cyclonic impact has damaged houses, uprooted trees, and caused extensive waterlogging and landslides, although initial reports confirm zero loss of life.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Warning for extremely heavy rainfall in several districts of Southern and Western Odisha today.
Red Alert Districts: Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, and Rayagada.
Orange Alert (Heavy to Very Heavy Rain): Gajapati, Kandhamal, Balangir, and Nuapada.
Widespread Impact: Reports confirm houses were damaged and trees uprooted in Gajapati and Ganjam districts, which bore the initial brunt of the storm’s peripheral effects. Landslides and blocked roads have been reported in hilly areas like R Udayagiri and Parlakhemundi.
The State government has activated its emergency machinery to address the fallout, prioritising rescue and evacuation efforts.
Evacuations: Over 11,000 vulnerable individuals, including the elderly and pregnant women, were safely evacuated under the government’s “zero casualty” mission. Officials are prepared to evacuate an additional 30,000 if the situation warrants.
Disaster Teams Deployed: A total of 158 emergency teams—including five NDRF, 30 ODRAF, and 123 Fire Service units—are currently deployed across the affected areas.
Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi reviewed the preparedness and ordered officials to ensure prompt restoration of essential services, particularly power.
Deputy Chief Minister K V Singhdeo assured farmers that assistance would be provided, noting extensive damage to standing crops. District Collectors have been instructed to submit comprehensive reports within a week.
IMD officials forecast that the intensity of the storm’s impact, primarily rain, will persist through today as the system tracks towards Chhattisgarh. Rainfall activity is expected to gradually subside by Friday.
“The impact of Montha would persist through Wednesday, with heavy to extremely heavy rainfall expected in southern Odisha districts but not much wind,” said Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, IMD Director General.
Coastal regions, including Bhubaneswar, witnessed light to moderate rainfall overnight. The highest rainfall was recorded in Chandbali (51.7 MM) and Daringibadi (51MM).