Cyclone Montha Brings Rain, Landslides; Damages Roads and Houses in Odisha

Several parts of Odisha witnessed light to moderate rainfall and incidents of landslides on Wednesday as Cyclone Montha weakened into a deep depression after making landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast, officials said. The storm caused damage to roads, bridges, and houses in parts of southern Odisha, though major devastation was averted.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone, which had earlier intensified into a severe storm, gradually weakened after crossing the coast near Amalapuram in Andhra Pradesh—around 300 km from Odisha’s Malkangiri district.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari expressed relief that Odisha escaped the cyclone’s full impact. “We thank Lord Jagannath that the cyclone slightly changed its anticipated landfall location. The shift in its trajectory spared Odisha from severe devastation,” Pujari told reporters after reviewing the situation.

He said Cyclone Montha had been expected to make landfall near Kakinada, about 200 km from Malkangiri, but it veered slightly southward, reducing the potential damage in the state.

Despite the weakened impact, authorities reported landslides, uprooted trees, and damage to rural infrastructure in Malkangiri, Koraput, and Rayagada districts. Power and road restoration works were underway in affected areas, while district administrations remained on alert for any further weather-related disruptions.

The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) and local administrations continue to monitor the situation, ensuring rapid restoration of essential services and relief assistance where needed.