Puri, Oct 28: A lifeguard at Puri Beach was injured on Tuesday after a tourist and his wife reportedly attacked him with slippers for stopping them from bathing in the sea. The restriction was enforced due to the rough sea conditions caused by Cyclone 'Montha,' which is moving toward the Andhra Pradesh coast.

The state government had earlier imposed a ban on sea bathing during the cyclone as a safety measure for tourists. While the ban has generally been supported, the assault on the lifeguard has sparked strong condemnation from both authorities and the public.

Lifeguards and fire service personnel continue to remain on high alert at 14 high-risk zones along Puri Beach. Cyclone 'Montha' is currently moving north-northwest at a speed of 15 km/h and is expected to make landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast near Kakinada between the evening and night of October 28. Eight districts in Odisha are likely to be affected by the storm.

Authorities have reiterated their warnings for tourists to follow all safety guidelines and refrain from entering the sea during the ongoing cyclone.