Puri, Sep 22: Weather conditions have turned unsettled in Puri, with light rain and winds continuing since Sunday night. The district recorded an average rainfall of 14.83 mm in the last 24 hours, while the sea remained rough with high waves crossing the shoreline.

In view of the rough sea, the Puri administration has placed red flags at several stretches of the beach and restricted tourists from taking sea baths. Lifeguards have been deployed across different sectors to prevent accidents and warn visitors against entering the water.

The weather conditions are linked to the low-pressure area over the North Andaman Sea and adjoining east-central Bay of Bengal. Rain and wind warnings remain in place in Puri until Wednesday.

As a precautionary measure, leave for all government employees in the district has been cancelled until September 23, with officials instructed to remain at their respective headquarters.

The administration has also intensified preparations with a focus on zero drowning incidents, while the Fire Services Department has kept emergency arrangements ready.

Fishermen who had ventured into the sea have returned to shore. The Fisheries Department has advised them to keep their boats, nets and fishing equipment in safe places and avoid venturing into the sea from September 21 to 24.

According to the weather warning, Puri is under an Orange Warning on September 22 and a Red Warning on September 23. Rainfall may lead to waterlogging and possible crop damage in parts of the district.

However, no announcement has been made regarding the closure of schools or colleges in Puri.