Bhubaneswar, Oct 22: Tourists are leaving the pilgrim town of Puri following an advisory issued by the Odisha government, warning of Cyclone Dana’s imminent landfall. The cyclone is expected to pass through Puri in Odisha and Sagar Island in West Bengal between Thursday night and Friday morning.

Long queues formed at Puri's railway station and bus stand as visitors rushed to leave. The local administration has arranged for the safe evacuation of tourists. However, some travelers complained of overcharging by ticket agents and bus operators exploiting the situation.

On Monday, the Odisha government advised tourists to vacate Puri before the cyclone strikes. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari urged visitors to leave promptly, citing the severe impact the cyclone may bring to the coastal town. He also instructed hotels and lodges to stop accepting advance bookings for this week.

Authorities have increased patrolling and deployed additional lifeguards at Puri beach, where red flags now signal danger.

The cyclone is expected to bring winds of 60 to 90 kmph, with gusts up to 100 kmph, affecting Puri, Khurda, Dhenkanal, Angul, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanj as the depression intensifies into a full-fledged storm.

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