Odisha showcased remarkable disaster preparedness after Cyclone Montha. Road connectivity in Gajapati district was restored within eight hours of a major landslide. Continuous rainfall had triggered the landslide, disrupting movement along key routes in the area.
Gajapati Landslide and Immediate Response
According to officials, the landslide occurred on Tuesday along the Ramagiri–Badagaon Ghat road in R. Udayagiri block, isolating five villages and disrupting the main route linking Gajapati with Ganjam district.
Swift Action by NDRF and Local Administration
Following a decrease in rainfall on Wednesday, the Gajapati district administration, supported by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the police, launched a coordinated clearance operation.
The team—comprising the Additional District Magistrate (ADM), Block Development Officer (BDO), tehsildar, engineers, and operators from the Rural Development and Works (Purtta) departments—worked round the clock to reopen the route.
Controlled blasting was used to clear large boulders and debris. Two JCB excavators were deployed to remove rock and earth, enabling vehicular movement on the Ramagiri–Badagaon Ghat road within just eight hours of the operation’s start.
“The quick restoration shows Odisha’s preparedness and coordination among disaster response teams,” said a senior district official.
Cyclone Montha’s Impact Across Odisha
According to Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Cyclone Montha and its rain bands affected 33 blocks and 11 urban areas across the state.
Over 19,000 people were evacuated before the cyclone’s landfall, and 161 response teams were deployed for rescue and relief operations. The state also operated 362 free kitchens, serving hot meals to more than 18,700 people in affected regions.
Authorities remain on alert until October 31, as intermittent rainfall may continue in some districts.
