In a decisive action highlighting the seriousness of the approaching Cyclone Montha, Odisha’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, Suresh Pujari, has cancelled his scheduled visit to Nuapada district for the upcoming by-election.
This decision follows a warning from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) that a depression over the Bay of Bengal is rapidly intensifying into a severe cyclonic storm, which is expected to hit the Andhra Pradesh coast by October 28.
Pujari, who was set to rally support ahead of the November 11 Nuapada bypoll, has redirected his focus to chair an emergency meeting of the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA). He has also cancelled all other planned tour programs to concentrate on monitoring preparedness measures and coordinating response activities.
Until the cyclone threat subsides, the control room of the Disaster Management Department at Rajiv Bhawan in Bhubaneswar will serve as his temporary office. According to official sources, Minister Pujari will decide on rescheduling his visit to Nuapada once the situation regarding the cyclone stabilises.
