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"With the approaching cyclonic storm Montha expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds, Odisha has stepped up preparedness across the southern districts. Five teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed at Koraput, Malkangiri, Gajapati, Kandhamal, and Rayagada, the areas likely to be most affected by cyclone Montha"s impact.Advertisment The NDRF teams are equipped with advanced rescue and relief gear, including power boats, rubber boats, JCBs, power chains, tree-cutting equipment, and telescopic lights, ready to tackle any emergency situation. Similarly, 123 fire service teams have been placed on alert under the Berhampur RDC circle, while 144 teams are on standby in the Cuttack RDC circle. In coastal regions, 100 lifeguards have been deployed in Puri, and additional teams have been stationed in Gopalpur to respond to possible sea-related emergencies.Advertisment Authorities have also prepared 200 cyclone shelters across eight districts to house evacuated people if necessary. In vulnerable areas of Ganjam and Gajapati, pregnant women, the elderly, and patients are being shifted to safer locations as a precautionary measure. In Gajapati alone, 91 pregnant women and 946 other residents have already been relocated to cyclone shelters. Considering the forecast of heavy to very heavy rainfall, the School and Mass Education Department has announced the closure of schools in eight southern districts, Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur, from today until October 30. Also Read: Potato prices soar in Odisha as Cyclone 'Montha' looms Notably, Cyclone Montha is expected to make landfall near Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, on October 28, before moving inland toward southern Odisha. IMD forecasts that the system will intensify into a severe cyclonic storm before landfall."
