Interview Times 
BHUBANESWAR: In the wake of heavy rainfall caused by a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, the Puri district administration on Thursday announced the closure of all schools within the district as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students.
According to officials from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Puri and Paradip recorded 3 cm of rainfall each, while Bhubaneswar registered 2 cm of rain between 5:30 PM on Wednesday and 8:30 AM on Thursday. The continuous downpour has led to waterlogging in various parts of the coastal districts, causing significant inconvenience to locals and tourists alike.
One of the most affected areas is the Konark Sun Temple near Puri, where flooding has made it difficult for visitors to access the historic site. Several tourists were seen wading through knee-deep water as the temple’s entrance became submerged due to the heavy rains.
In response, the local administration has deployed pumps to drain water from the temple premises, aiming to provide relief to visitors. “We are working to ensure the water is cleared as quickly as possible to avoid further disruption,” officials said.
The heavy rains are expected to persist, and authorities have urged residents to stay cautious, especially in areas prone to flooding.
