In Odisha, the southern and coastal districts of the state are experiencing rain since this morning under the impact of severe cyclonic storm ‘Montha’.

 

 

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today chaired a high-level review meeting in Bhubaneswar to assess the state’s preparedness for ‘Montha’.

 

 

Mr Majhi took stock of the evacuation drive currently underway in southern Odisha, with a focus on Ganjam and Gajapati districts, the two most vulnerable regions expected to bear the brunt of the severe cyclone.

 

 

The Odisha Government is leaving no stone unturned for a zero casualty in the state during the process of severe cyclonic storm ‘Montha’, which is likely to cross the southern districts of Odisha tonight.  More than 11,000 people, including 1,871 pregnant women, have been shifted to safer places, while the government plans to shift another 19,000 people by this evening.

 

 

The administration is focusing on eight red zone districts, Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Kalahandi and Nabarangpur, which are most likely to be affected due to the severe cyclonic storm. Senior officers have been assigned to each ‘red zone’ district to oversee cyclone management.

 

 

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has asked all district administrations to maintain continuous coordination with the State Emergency Operations Centre and ensure round-the-clock presence of field officials. 

 

 

Schools and anganwadi centres in 11 districts of Odisha have been closed for at least two days from today. Indian Railways has cancelled several trains and diverted a few others, while flights between Bhubaneswar and Vishakhapatnam have been cancelled for today. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea.