Puri Declared Red Zone as Odisha Warns of Intensifying Rain, Restricts Sea Bathing

Puri has been placed under a red zone alert for the next two days as Odisha braces for heavy rainfall following the formation of a deep depression that has affected weather and marine conditions across the region. With the sea turning increasingly turbulent and high waves being reported, the Puri district administration has prohibited tourists from entering the water for bathing. Red flags have been installed at key points along the beach, while lifeguards have been deployed across different stretches to warn visitors and prevent accidents.

Assistant Station Officer Ananta Prasad Biswal said the situation remains dangerous and could become more severe over the next 24 hours. “Puri has been declared a red zone because of the deep depression, and the alert is expected to remain in place for two days,” Biswal told ANI. He said 98 Odisha Fire Service lifeguards have been deployed to alert tourists and monitor the coastline.

According to Biswal, the deep depression has made the sea highly volatile, with powerful waves creating hazardous conditions along the shore. He urged tourists to stay away from the water during the alert period. The administration has also intensified public warnings through loudspeakers and megaphones, while lifeguards and ATV vehicles have been positioned to respond to emergencies. Officials have been instructed to ensure that tourists do not enter the sea, with preventing drowning incidents remaining a major priority.

The district administration has cancelled the leave of officers and employees in view of the deteriorating weather conditions. Fishermen who had ventured into the sea have returned to the coast, while Fisheries Department officials have asked them to secure their boats, fishing nets and equipment. Similar precautions are being taken in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, where mechanised boat fishermen have remained onshore for the third consecutive day. Fishermen there have also been advised against going out to sea amid warnings of strong winds over the Bay of Bengal.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.