Bhubaneswar, 27 October (H.S.): In anticipation of Cyclone ‘Montha’, the Odisha government has ordered the temporary closure of Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) in eight districts as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of children and staff.

An official advisory issued by Nilu Mohapatra, Additional Secretary of the Women & Child Development Department, on the evening of the 26th stated that this decision follows the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) forecast of heavy to very heavy rainfall, accompanied by strong gusty winds, between October 27 and 30, 2025.

Anganwadi Centres in districts under a Red Alert — Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur — will be closed on October 28 and 29. District administrations have also been given the authority to extend closures to October 27 and 30, depending on local weather conditions.

For districts under an Orange Alert — Khurda, Puri, Nayagarh, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, and Bhadrak — local authorities will decide on temporary shutdowns based on the intensity of rainfall and wind speed.

The government has instructed officials to ensure all precautionary measures are implemented, including the relocation of pregnant women and vulnerable residents to safe shelters. Citizens are urged to stay indoors, monitor official updates, and cooperate with authorities throughout the cyclone event.

The advisory stressed the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols to prevent any unfortunate incidents during the severe weather conditions.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda