Bhubaneswar: Lifeguards and fire service personnel are on high alert at Puri sea beach, monitoring 14 vulnerable zones ahead of the possible impact of Cyclone ‘Montha’ on the south Odisha coast.
The storm, moving north-northwest at 15 km/h, is expected to make landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada, during the evening or night of October 28. Eight districts in Odisha are likely to be affected.
A lifeguard official has urged tourists to avoid venturing near the sea.
“Some visitors, unaware of the cyclone, may attempt to bathe in the sea. We strongly advise against this. Horns are being sounded along the beach to warn people,” said a lifeguard on duty.
A fire service official added, “With the aim of zero casualties, tourists are not being allowed to enter the sea. The long waves and strong currents could result in injuries. All lifeguards and fire service teams are fully deployed along the beach to closely monitor the situation.”
Residents and tourists are being advised to stay updated with official announcements and follow safety instructions until the storm passes.
