Over 100 stranded amid rough weather in Odisha's Chilika Lake

Boat services across Chilika Lake in Puri district came to a complete halt, as strong winds lashed the region, making water transport unsafe on Thursday. The popular Janhikuda-Satapada route, which spans around five kilometres, remained suspended for the entire day due to rough weather conditions.

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According to sources, over a hundred passengers, many of them tourists and locals, were stranded, waiting for the situation to improve so they could cross to the other side of the lake.

Winds picked up early in the day, creating high waves and making navigation risky for small and medium-sized boats that usually ferry people across Chilika.

In response, the local administration has issued a cautionary advisory, urging people to avoid venturing into the lake until further notice.

Officials are closely monitoring the weather, and boat services will resume only when conditions become safe again.

“There is a strong wind here. As you can see, boats are unable to go ahead. The Bhasa Pola (floating vessel) is also not able to enter Chilika Lake due to the strong wind. Several people have been facing difficulties,” a stranded local, Aditya Dalai, stated to OTV.

“I came here in the morning at around 9.15 AM. Several people, including elderly persons and children, are waiting. We had attempted twice, but could not go far due to strong winds and returned to the shore,” Aditya Dalai expressed when contacted.

“We all are waiting and will move only after the wind speed slows and the weather condition improves. Or else, we will wait here,” the stranded local added.

Reported By: Nilakantha Pradhan