Odisha Govt Issues Urgent Advisory for Tourists and Pilgrims to Leave Puri Ahead of Cyclone

Bhubaneswar: With the impending cyclone expected to impact several districts, including Puri, Odisha’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari has issued an urgent advisory for tourists and pilgrims to leave Puri by October 23 for their safety.

Minister Pujari strongly urged non-resident visitors to return to their home states, advising those who wish to stay to relocate to safer areas. “Although the cyclone’s exact path remains unclear, it is crucial for tourists to start leaving Puri today to avoid any potential harm,” he stated. The district administration has been instructed to restrict tourist visits until the cyclone threat has passed.

To prepare for the storm, Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams have been dispatched to potentially affected districts, with plans for National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams to be deployed in sensitive areas. Minister Pujari also confirmed that the central government has agreed to provide additional NDRF teams and helicopters, which will arrive by October 23.

In addition to the evacuation measures, the Odisha government has arranged for the safety of habisyalis (pilgrims observing special religious rituals) in Puri, ensuring their well-being during the storm.