Puri beaches which remained deserted last year during the same time because of the Cyclone Phailin, was bustling with domestic and international tourists last week. More than 80,000 tourists including several foreigners were spotted on the beach and its surrounding areas. A survey by Odisha tourism stated that 85% hotels remained occupied during this period and the hotel industry of Puri did not suffer any loss.

Cyclone Hudhud has left negligible impact in Odisha as compared to Andhra Pradesh. Puri’s district collector said that since the sea was rough tourists were restricted from getting close to the sea and they therefore enjoyed rain and cool sea breeze from their seafront hotels. Fishermen were also marshaled on the beach to avoid mishaps while tourists were requested to remain alert. Foreign tourists were also trained on survival means and life jackets were distributed to them. An NGO was set up at Puri Railway station to handle and resolve problems of tourists during the crisis period.