Nation

Puri, September 24: Puri in Odisha is bracing for heavy rainfall and rough sea conditions as a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal continues to influence the coastal weather. In view of the adverse conditions and the possibility of heavy rain, the district administration has taken precautionary measures across the popular Puri beach and has completely prohibited tourists from entering the sea.

Red flags have been put up along the entire beach to warn visitors about the dangerous sea conditions. The administration has also announced that Puri's coastal area will remain designated as a ‘red zone’ for the next two days. Tourists and visitors have been advised to strictly follow the restrictions and avoid venturing into the water until the authorities declare the sea safe.

The decision comes amid concerns over the intensity of the waves and the possibility of further deterioration in weather conditions. The sea along the Puri coast has become highly turbulent, with strong waves creating potentially dangerous conditions for swimmers and tourists. Authorities are therefore maintaining heightened vigilance along the shoreline.

To strengthen disaster preparedness and ensure the safety of tourists, the Odisha Fire Service has deployed 98 lifeguards across the beach. The rescue and safety teams have been provided with all-terrain vehicles and megaphones to help them patrol the coastline and communicate quickly with visitors.

Continuous announcements are being made through public-address systems across the beach. Members of the rescue teams are repeatedly warning tourists not to enter the sea and are urging visitors to remain within designated safe areas. The deployment of additional personnel is aimed at preventing accidents and ensuring that the restrictions are effectively enforced.

Assistant Station Officer of the Fire Service, Ananta Prasad Biswal, said Puri had been declared a ‘red zone’ for two days because of the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal. He said the sea was extremely turbulent and the waves were posing a serious safety risk. Red flags had already been installed along the beach and bathing in the sea had been completely prohibited as a precautionary measure.

The administration is closely monitoring the weather and sea conditions and is expected to review the restrictions based on the movement and intensity of the weather system. Until conditions improve, visitors will not be permitted to enter the water.

Puri remains one of Odisha's most popular tourist destinations, attracting large numbers of visitors to its beach and religious landmarks. However, with the weather system bringing the possibility of heavy rainfall and rough seas, authorities have prioritised public safety over normal tourist activities.

Tourists currently in Puri have been urged to cooperate with the administration and rescue personnel. Officials have also appealed to visitors not to ignore the red flags or warning announcements, as the strong waves and turbulent sea can pose significant risks even to experienced swimmers.