West Bengal

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Purba Medinipur | July 30 : The coastal belt of Purba Medinipur has been placed on high alert as the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal continues to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and dangerously rough sea conditions across the district. In view of the worsening weather, the district administration has imposed strict safety measures in popular beach destinations including Digha, Tajpur, and Mandarmani, with authorities completely prohibiting tourists from entering the sea from Thursday morning.

Officials said the continuous rainfall and turbulent sea conditions are a direct impact of the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal, which has significantly intensified wave activity along the coastline. With powerful waves crashing against the shore and strong gusty winds sweeping across the beaches, authorities have taken precautionary steps to prevent any untoward incidents involving tourists or local residents.

The administration has also directed all fishing trawlers operating in the deep sea to return to the coast immediately. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea until weather conditions improve, while surveillance has been intensified at fishing harbours and coastal jetties to ensure strict compliance with the safety advisory.

Sea conditions have remained extremely rough since Wednesday, with high waves repeatedly hitting the shoreline. The impact of the turbulent waters has reportedly damaged portions of the protective seawall along the beach, raising concerns about coastal erosion and public safety. As a preventive measure, authorities have erected barricades at several vulnerable points along the beaches to stop visitors from approaching the sea.

Police personnel and trained lifeguards, locally known as Nulias, have been making continuous public announcements, urging tourists to stay away from the water and strictly follow the safety restrictions. Visitors have also been advised to avoid venturing near the shoreline as wave heights continue to fluctuate under the influence of the adverse weather system.

Purba Medinipur Superintendent of Police Anshuman Saha said that considering the prevailing sea conditions, a complete ban has been imposed on tourists entering the sea. He also confirmed that all fishing trawlers operating in deep waters have been instructed to return to the coast without delay as a precautionary measure.

The district police, in coordination with the administration, have intensified monitoring at marine fishing harbours and coastal areas to ensure that safety protocols are followed. Officials are keeping a close watch on the evolving weather situation and have urged residents and tourists to remain alert and cooperate with authorities until conditions normalize.

The incessant rainfall has also led to waterlogging in several low-lying areas of Purba Medinipur, causing inconvenience to local residents. District authorities are monitoring the situation closely and have kept emergency response teams on standby to deal with any weather-related emergencies.

The Bay of Bengal remaining turbulent under the influence of the deep depression, the administration has appealed to tourists, fishermen, and local residents to exercise extreme caution, adhere to official advisories, and avoid taking unnecessary risks until the weather system weakens and sea conditions become safe once again.