Bhubaneswar, Oct 27: Odisha is on high alert as the state prepares for the imminent arrival of cyclone 'Montha.' Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari has instructed district Collectors to ensure the full evacuation of residents from high-risk areas to safe shelters by 5 p.m. today. State authorities are well-prepared to manage any emergency situation that may arise due to the cyclone, with all necessary arrangements in place for rescue and relief operations.

A total of 128 teams from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed to the districts expected to be most affected by the cyclone, according to Minister Pujari. The minister recently chaired a high-level meeting to assess the state's preparedness in districts vulnerable to the potential impact of the cyclonic system.

Plans have been set in motion for the swift evacuation of vulnerable populations, including the elderly, pregnant women, and patients. These individuals will be moved to designated cyclone shelters, schools, and community halls in the affected areas ahead of the cyclone's landfall.

Residents of landslide-prone regions have been advised to stay indoors for the next three days as a precautionary measure. The state's forest and electricity departments have been put on alert to ensure that all necessary machinery is ready for clearing fallen trees and restoring services promptly after the cyclone passes.

To prevent exploitation during the crisis, district administrations have been instructed to take strict action against black-marketing of essential goods. Additionally, the government has cancelled the leave of all employees in cyclone-prone districts and ordered the closure of all schools.

The cyclone is expected to hit the southern districts of Odisha, including Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur, which have been placed under the Red Zone category. Malkangiri, located about 200 km from the predicted landfall, is particularly vulnerable.

Authorities are working tirelessly to ensure that Odisha is ready to face the storm and minimize the damage to life and property.