Sunday, March 23, 2025
Similipal National Park in Odisha will be closed to visitors for two days starting Saturday due to intense rainfall and thunderstorms in Mayurbhanj district. Prakash Chand Gogineni, the Regional Chief Conservator, stated that the situation will be reassessed, and access may be allowed once the weather conditions improve. Tourists are encouraged to stay in touch with authorities for the latest updates.
Officials announced on March 22 that Similipal National Park, located in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, will be closed to tourists for two days starting Saturday due to heavy rainfall and anticipated thunderstorms.
The park authorities have urged tourists intending to visit Similipal to confirm the latest updates with the proper authorities before proceeding with their plans. This closure is implemented to prioritize visitor safety amid the challenging weather conditions in the area.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an ‘orange warning’ (be prepared) for multiple districts. Thunderstorms with wind speeds of 40-50 km/h are forecasted for Saturday afternoon or evening, affecting Nuapada, Bolangir, Bargarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Sonepur, Boudh, Nayagarh, Kandhamal, Khurda, Puri, Ganjam, Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur, according to weather officials.
The IMD has advised residents to remain alert and be prepared to relocate to safer areas if necessary. They also recommend staying indoors, securing windows and doors, and avoiding unnecessary travel. The advisory cautions against seeking shelter under trees, suggests unplugging electrical devices, and warns against coming into contact with conductive materials.
Several regions in Mayurbhanj and Balasore experienced thunderstorms and hailstorms on Thursday night and Friday evening. Initial reports from the Mayurbhanj administration suggest that 4,775 individuals across 47 villages in 19 panchayats were impacted by the hailstorm. The district authorities have set up relief centers, provided temporary shelters, and distributed plastic sheets to those whose homes were damaged.
Additionally, a high-level state government team, led by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, is scheduled to visit the affected areas in the Bisoi block of Mayurbhanj on Saturday for discussions with local officials.
