Bhubaneswar, October 26: The Odisha government is on high alert as Cyclone ‘Montha’ intensifies over the southeast Bay of Bengal. Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari and Special Relief Commissioner Deoranjan Kumar Singh reviewed the state’s preparedness in a meeting with District Magistrates. The cyclone, moving west-northwest at 6 km/h, is expected to affect southern Odisha, particularly eight red-zone districts: Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur.

Authorities have initiated evacuations, especially from high-risk areas, and deployed teams from ODRAF, NDRF, and Fire Services for rescue operations. With the cyclone likely to cause heavy rainfall and landslides, emergency services, including power backup for hospitals and water supplies, are being secured.

Fishermen have been warned and fishing activities have been suspended until October 31. The state is also taking measures to prevent black marketing of essentials, and schools in the affected areas are closed. Farmers are advised to safeguard crops, as the cyclone coincides with the paddy harvesting season.

Rainfall is expected to start by Sunday, with the cyclone peaking on October 28-29, weakening by October 30.