Cyclone Dana: Odisha minister urges tourists to leave Puri as safety measures intensify

BHUBANESWAR: Revenue and disaster management minister Suresh Pujari on Monday urged outstation tourists to leave Puri by Tuesday afternoon in view of the impending cyclone. He also advised officials to restrict entry of people in Puri from Tuesday.

“To ensure their safety, we would request outstation tourists to return to their homes before the cyclone hits the coast. As per IMD forecast, Puri district will be affected by the possible cyclone and heavy rain. High tide and strong winds are also likely to blow in the coastal districts,” said Pujari.

Puri, a major tourist destination and pilgrim town, attracts thousands of visitors from across the state and country daily. The Puri district administration has been asked to open a 24X7 control room to deal with disaster-related issues. Red flags have been posted along the beaches preventing tourists from going near the shore while lifeguards are on alert as the sea has started to become rough.

For the safety of habisyalis — elderly women and devotees who come to Puri to observe Kartik Brata — the district administration will ensure basic amenities, official sources said.

Deputy chief minister Pravati Parida, who also holds the tourism portfolio, asked Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) to take care of guests residing in Pantha Niwas and other OTDC properties. “During the cyclone, OTDC will ensure basic amenities for tourists in line with ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ policy of the govt,” Parida said.

Entry into Puri Jagannath temple restricted for Kartik month congregation

Due to anticipated large gatherings during the holy month of Kartik, Shree Jagannath Temple Administration will restrict temple entry to two gates starting October 18. The restrictions aim for smoother darshan experiences. Special arrangements, including police deployment and accommodations for fasting elderly devotees, have been planned to ensure safety and convenience.

Ensure zero casualty during disaster, CM advises officials

Odisha braces for a severe cyclonic storm as Chief Minister Mohan Majhi emphasizes zero casualties and urges evacuation of vulnerable areas. Cyclone shelters are readied, and essential supplies stocked. President Murmu's visit is canceled, and crucial exams postponed. Efforts include ensuring uninterrupted power supply to hospitals and removing hazardous billboards in urban areas.

Dana likely to make landfall between Puri & Sagar Island

Cyclone Dana is poised to hit the north Odisha and Bengal coasts between Puri and Sagar Island by Thursday night or early Friday. Expected to bring heavy rainfall and gusty winds, regions including Kolkata and coastal South Bengal will experience adverse weather conditions, prompting preparedness measures from central agencies and prohibiting fishermen from venturing into the sea.

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