Dikhyaa Mohanty 
Strong gusts and heavy rains are causing extensive tree collapses and landslides in various districts of southern Odisha as Cyclone Montha moves closer to the coast of Andhra Pradesh. The region’s 28 most afflicted locations have been confirmed by Sudhansu Sarangi, Director General of Fire Services & Civil Defense. Gajapati is the district most affected, especially the towns of R. Udayagiri, Paralakhemundi, and Guma, where significant landslides and tree falls have interfered with day-to-day activities. Anagan, close to R. Udayagiri, is also experiencing major effects, while places like Chikiti and Patrapur in Ganjam district are also coping with excessive rains and related issues. In order to start recovery efforts, restoration personnel have already been sent to these areas.
In Puri district, water levels have surged in two locations, creating conditions resembling flooding. Bhubaneswar remains largely unaffected, though eight dewatering pumps have been set up in flood-prone areas to prevent further inundation. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that Cyclone Montha will make landfall in the next 2-3 hours. Officials are hopeful that rainfall in Gajapati will decrease tomorrow, which would aid in the ongoing restoration work. To address the situation, Fire Services teams, comprising 130 personnel, are actively deployed across the affected areas. Bichitra Kumar Panda, Southern Fire Officer, is stationed in Jeypore, while Chief Fire Officer Ramesh Chandra Majhi is overseeing operations from Brahmapur. A 24/7 control room in Bhubaneswar is managing complaints and coordinating relief efforts.
“So far, we have received 28 calls for assistance, restored services at 22 sites, and are actively working on the remaining locations. Thankfully, there have been no reports of casualties,” Sarangi said
