Dikhyaa Mohanty 
Anganwadi Centers (AWCs) in eight districts have been ordered to close by the Odisha government as a precaution against Cyclone “Montha,” which is predicted to hit the state from October 27 to 30 with severe winds and a lot of rain. The advice, issued by Nilu Mohapatra, Additional Secretary of the Women & Child Development Department, follows projections from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) of severe to extremely heavy rainfall accompanied by strong gusty winds over the state from October 27 to 30, 2025.
AWCs in Red Alert districts—Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur—will remain closed on October 28 and 29. District administrations may also consider closures on October 27 and 30, depending on prevailing weather conditions. For Orange Alert districts—Khurda, Puri, Nayagarh, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, and Bhadrak—local authorities will decide on temporary closures based on rainfall and wind conditions.
The government has directed officials to relocate pregnant women to secure shelters and take all other required procedures. During the cyclone, residents are urged to remain indoors, pay attention to developments, and assist authorities. Strict adherence was emphasized in the advise to avoid any unfortunate events.
