Heightened sea turbulence and aggressive high tides along the Puri coastline caused widespread panic on Saturday morning, as strong waves repeatedly battered the shore, causing severe coastal erosion and washing away a roadside vendor’s setup.
The impact was particularly acute along the stretch extending from Baliapanda toward Mangala Muhana, where relentless wave action resulted in the structural collapse of a sandbank stretching nearly one kilometre in length.
Waves measuring between two and three feet continuously pounded the coastline, eroding three-foot-high sandbanks and rapidly eating into the shoreline.
The encroaching waters washed away a temporary roadside shop operated by a local vendor, highlighting the immediate physical threat posed to small businesses and daily activities operating along the beach.
The growing erosion has alarmed local vendors, residents, and fishermen. At Mangala Muhana, fishermen watched the rising water and unstable shoreline closely to protect their boats and gear.
In response to the deteriorating sea conditions, local authorities have urged residents, tourists, and fishermen to exercise extreme caution and maintain a safe distance from the water’s edge. Administrative teams and lifeguards continue to closely monitor vulnerable stretches along the Puri coast to prevent further property damage or loss of life should high tide activity persist.
