In a high-level review meeting chaired by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Odisha officials assessed the post-cyclone situation arising from Cyclone Montha.
Special Relief Commissioner Deoranjan Kumar Singh, along with other senior officers, participated in discussions focusing on various aspects of recovery following the storm.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Minister Pujari drew a sombre historical parallel, noting that on this very date in 1999, the Super Cyclone had wreaked havoc across Odisha, inflicting widespread devastation on lives and property. However, he praised the proactive measures taken this time around. “In line with the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) warnings, the state government implemented extensive preparations before Cyclone Montha’s approach,” Pujari said. He commended the media’s pivotal role in raising public awareness, which kept citizens vigilant without causing undue panic. Fortunately, the cyclone veered off its projected path in the final hours, sparing the region from severe impacts.
The minister detailed the government’s coordinated pre-emptive actions across departments, including detailed planning at district and grassroots levels to counter the cyclone’s potential threats. Currently, 88% of the state’s reservoirs hold water reserves, with vigilant water management protocols in place amid ongoing rains.
For cyclone management, a robust deployment included 33 ODRAF teams, 5 NDRF units, and 133 fire service teams, totalling 161 specialised squads. Authorities identified 2,164 cyclone and flood shelters, safely evacuating 18,732 people and providing them with all essential amenities. Additionally, 2,198 pregnant women were securely relocated to nearby health centres and maternity homes, where several have already delivered safely.
In vulnerable areas, 60 medical teams were mobilised, alongside 35 veterinary squads, to safeguard livestock. The cyclone affected 33 blocks, 11 urban locales, and 358 villages. To support the displaced, 362 community kitchens were operationalised, serving hot meals to 18,732 impacted individuals.
The Energy Department ensured an uninterrupted power supply during the event through prior preparations, swiftly restoring services in affected zones. Road blockages from fallen trees were cleared promptly. “The situation is expected to normalise by October 31,” Pujari assured, adding that damage assessments would commence after October 30, paving the way for necessary government assistance.
In the last 24 hours, the heaviest rainfall—150.5 mm—was recorded in the Gosanai block of Gajapati district. Other significant downpours exceeding 100 mm included 119.8 mm in Rayagada block (Gajapati), 106 mm in Mohana block (Gajapati), 117.4 mm in Patrapur block (Ganjam), and 105 mm in Udala block (Mayurbhanj). Furthermore, 56 blocks and urban areas logged between 50 mm and 100 mm of rain, as per the minister’s update.
Special Relief Commissioner Singh echoed these sentiments, emphasising the government’s early initiation of all preparatory measures. “Regular review meetings with district collectors and departmental secretaries ensured thorough oversight, ultimately preventing any loss of life,” he stated, crediting the zero-casualty outcome to these diligent efforts.
As recovery ramps up, Odisha’s administration remains committed to rapid rehabilitation, underscoring the success of its disaster resilience framework.
