Bhubaneswar: Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari recalled the devastating super cyclone of 1999 that struck Odisha on October 29, resulting in approximately 10,000 fatalities. He noted that as we face a cyclone situation on October 29, 2025, there have been no reports of human casualties thus far. Pujari highlighted that cyclone preparedness efforts were informed by the lessons learned from the 1999 event. Nonetheless, he reported incidents of house collapses, fallen trees, landslides, and damage to roads. Cyclone Montha has affected residents in 33 blocks and 11 urban local bodies (ULBs) across Odisha. In response, 2,198 pregnant women were relocated to safer areas as part of the state’s evacuation measures.
The government established 362 free kitchens, serving cooked meals to 18,762 individuals at cyclone relief centers. The minister indicated that there is no significant concern regarding rainfall, as total precipitation remained below 200 mm. The Gosani block in Gajapati district recorded the highest rainfall at approximately 150 mm, followed by Patrapur in Ganjam with 117.4 mm, while 56 other blocks received between 50 mm and 100 mm of rain. Pujari stated that the wind speeds were manageable; however, certain regions in Ganjam, Gajapati, Balasore, and other districts faced temporary power outages, which were resolved within hours due to effective pre-planning. Roads obstructed by uprooted trees were promptly cleared.
A total of 33 ODRAF, 5 NDRF, and 13 Fire Services teams have been deployed for rescue and recovery operations. Pujari emphasized that Odisha will maintain a heightened state of alert until October 31, as rain warnings persist. He announced that damage assessments for crops, homes, roads, and other public infrastructures will commence the following day, noting reports of damage to paddy, cotton, and vegetable crops. Affected individuals will receive assistance directly to their bank accounts, and polythene sheets have been distributed to households with damaged walls. The minister assured that normalcy is expected to return across the state by October 31.
