Puri, Mar 21: A major mishap was averted at Chakratirtha Beach in Puri after three tourists were rescued from drowning while bathing in the sea on Saturday afternoon, our source from the ground informed.

According to the source, two men and a young woman were caught in strong rip currents and high tide conditions, leading them to lose control in the water. Alert lifeguards immediately rushed into the sea and managed to rescue all three.

Timely Rescue Prevents Tragedy
The identities of the rescued tourists are yet to be ascertained. After being brought ashore, they were administered first aid. All three are reported to be stable and out of danger.

Recurring Safety Concerns
The incident once again highlights the dangers posed by rip currents along the Puri coastline, especially during high tide.

As per available data, drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental deaths in Odisha, accounting for 3,860 fatalities across various water bodies. Lightning strikes claimed 600 lives, while 2,118 people died due to snakebites during the same period.

More than 200 drowning deaths have been reported from districts including Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Ganjam and Cuttack, underscoring the growing concern over water safety in the state.

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Odisha Weather Forecast
Odisha continues to experience the impact of the seasonal Kalbaisakhi phenomenon, bringing heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across several districts.  

Despite no specific weather system currently prevailing over the state, the influence of Kalbaisakhi has kept showers active, leading to a notable dip in daytime temperatures.  

According to the Meteorological Department, the state’s average maximum temperature is presently 3.9°C below normal. However, rainfall activity is expected to reduce after the next 24 hours, with daytime temperatures likely to rise again. Fresh spells of Kalbaisakhi showers are forecast to return from March 25.