Bhubaneswar, Oct 28 (NationPress) Odisha’s Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reaffirmed the state's commitment to achieving 'Zero Casualty' as it prepares for the impending severe cyclonic storm Montha, anticipated to make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam near Kakinada during the evening or night of October 28.

In a high-level review meeting on Tuesday, Chief Minister Majhi evaluated the state's readiness for the cyclone, which is likely to bring significant rainfall and strong winds to various southern and coastal districts.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that the cyclonic system may intensify and move northwestward, affecting eight districts: Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Kandhamal, Malkangiri, Nayagarh, and Puri.

Majhi has issued firm directives to officials to ensure that no residents remain in vulnerable or low-lying areas, mandating the evacuation of everyone to cyclone shelters or other secure locations. He emphasized that the state government is fully equipped to respond to any emergencies arising from the cyclone.

“Our primary focus remains on maintaining zero casualties and ensuring the complete safety of individuals in the affected areas,” he stated.

The government has identified 2,048 cyclone shelters and has made comprehensive arrangements for evacuating residents from at-risk regions to safer zones. To date, over 11,396 individuals have been relocated from low-lying and high-risk areas within the eight districts classified under the red zone.

Majhi further mentioned that if necessary, an additional 30,554 people will also be evacuated.

“We are closely monitoring the situation and will implement further measures as required,” he added, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding pregnant women and the elderly.

So far, around 1,871 pregnant women have been moved to nearby health centers, with another 822 women receiving support from health and Anganwadi workers. The government plans to relocate approximately 2,693 pregnant women to nearby medical facilities.

Majhi revealed that 30 teams of the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), five units of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and 123 Fire Services teams have been deployed in the eight southern districts of the state, with additional teams on standby in the most vulnerable areas.

Fishermen have been explicitly warned against venturing into the sea, and tourist activities in coastal and hilly regions will be restricted for the next two to three days. Schools and Anganwadi centers in potentially affected areas will remain temporarily closed until further notice.

The Chief Minister also reviewed provisions for drinking water, food supply, and emergency medical services, ensuring that there will be no shortages during or following the cyclone's impact.

Majhi highlighted the necessity for close collaboration among departments, stating: “We are coordinating with Central agencies, the IMD, and the Andhra Pradesh government, as the cyclone's trajectory is expected to impact coastal Andhra before progressing toward southern Odisha. Every department has been instructed to maintain a high level of alertness and to respond swiftly to any situation.”

He also directed the Agriculture Department to promptly assess crop damage after the cyclone passes and ensure appropriate compensation for affected farmers.