Puri where extremely severe cyclonic storm ‘Fani’ is likely to make its landfall on Friday, witnessed rains at various places in the town on Thursday.
While the sky remained overcast, rain accompanied with strong wind started occurring at some places in the pilgrim town triggering panic among tourists as well as the localities.
The intensity of the wind is so high that the Patitapabana Bana (holy flag) atop the Shreemandir here snapped off. However, servitors later fixed another flag atop Nilachakra (metal wheel) of the centuries-
old temple soon after.
Meanwhile, the district administration has started evacuating people from seaside areas to safer places.
Besides, the administration has made special OSRTC bus arrangements for tourists for their safe return
from the pilgrim town.