Bhubaneswar, October 29: Around 19,000 people in 33 blocks and 11 urban local bodies (ULBs) have been affected by the cyclonic storm Montha in the State, said Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Sursh Puajri on Wednesday.
Notably, severe cyclonic storm Montha crossed the Andhra Pradesh and Yanan coasts between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, to the south of Kakinada last night affecting several southern districts of Odisha, particularly eight districts of Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi and Kandhamal.
“A total of 33 blocks, 11 ULBs have been affected due to cyclonic storm Montha. Around 19,000 people have been evacuated and kept at 2,164 cyclone shelters. Cooked food is being served to 18,762 people in 362 places,” Pujari told media persons here.
Pujari said that as many as 2,189 pregnant women have also been shifted to hospitals and Maa Gruhas in the affected districts as precautionary measures.
Maintaining that reports of damage of houses are being received, Pujari said that the Collectors of the concerned districts will be instructed tomorrow to carry out the damage assessment and submit report within 72 hours.
“We had made elaborate arrangements and undertaken massive precautionary measures for the cyclonic storm which brushed past the Odisha coast following its landfall. State had deployed 161 response teams during the cyclone for rescue and emergency operations,” said Pujari.
“Gosani block in Gajapati district recorded the highest rainfall at 150 mm, while 56 blocks recorded rainfall between 50 and 100 mm but we have to remain alert till tomorrow there is a forecast of rain,” added Pujari.
Meanwhile, IMD Bhubaneswar Director Manorama Mohanty said that the State may witness isolated heavy rainfall activity with thunderstorm, lightning and gusty wind for the next 24 hours.
