Cyclone Alert in Odisha: Tourists Urged to Vacate Puri

A severe cyclonic storm is expected to hit the Odisha coast by October 25, prompting the government to advise tourists in Puri to leave. The advisory, issued by State Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari following a meeting with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, aims to mitigate potential damages.

The India Meteorological Department has forecasted a severe cyclonic storm expected to strike the Odisha coast by October 25, with wind speeds ranging from 100 to 120 kmph. In response, the Odisha government issued a strong advisory on Monday, urging tourists to vacate the pilgrim town of Puri promptly.

This advisory followed a high-level review meeting headed by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. State Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari communicated the cautionary message to reporters, emphasizing the potential impact on the coastal district of Puri.

Puri's district administration has been instructed to dissuade travel to the town, effective from Tuesday, as the region braces for the cyclone's landfall, which could pose significant risk to lives and properties.

(With inputs from agencies.)