Finance
Cyclone Montha, which made landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast Wednesday night, did not cause significant damage in Odisha, with only little impact reported in the state’s southern regions.
According to sources, the storm had a greater impact in the Ganjam district, notably in regions such as Chikiti, Patrapur, Digapahandi, Polsara, Kavisurya Nagar, and Gopalpur, where rainfall was higher. However, there was no significant damage reported in these places.
The sea breached the coast at Ganjam block’s Podampeta, washing away the remains of three derelict houses. The region was evacuated ten years ago, and no one currently lives there. Local MLAs and administrative officials went to the site to inspect the situation.
The district government has taken preparations, including closing the route to Podampeta and moving residents from low-lying and susceptible places to safer sites. Over the last two days, 6,028 people have been transported to shelters, and plans have been made for their food and other necessities. Additionally, 970 pregnant women have been transferred to hospitals as a preventive measure.
Heavy rains caused landslides and flooding in Odisha’s Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, and Ganjam districts. Boulders and fallen trees obstructed roads in various regions, and one person was hurt when a house collapsed in Gajapati district.
Montha has weakened into a cyclonic storm as of Wednesday morning, with its center approximately 20 kilometers west-northwest of Narsapur and 90 kilometers west-southwest of Kakinada, according to IMD. It is forecast to weaken more and become a deep depression as it moves northwestward inland.
