Puri: The Holy City of Puri has been lashed by extremely heavy rainfall over the past four days even as the grand Ratha Yatra of Lord Jagannath is underway.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Puri has recorded a massive 345.8 mm of rainfall between July 14 and July 18.The rainfall has been particularly intense in the initial days.
Between July 14 and 15, the city received 143.8 mm, followed by 89.5 mm on July 15–16, and 21.4 mm on July 16–17. In the past 24 hours alone (from 08:30 am on July 17 to 08:30 am on July 18), Puri recorded 86.6 mm of rain.
As per IMD’s prediction, heavy rain continues to lash the temple town, leading to waterlogging in several areas.
The downpour has created difficult conditions for lakhs of devotees who have gathered for the ongoing Rath Yatra festivities.
The IMD has issued a fresh alert warning that heavy rainfall is likely to persist over Puri. Despite the challenging weather, the spirit of devotion remains strong as pilgrims continue to throng the sacred city to seek darshan of Lord Jagannath and his siblings.
