Bhubaneswar: Defying repeated warnings from the administration, thousands of tourists flocked to Puri beach on Wednesday to witness the impact of Cyclone Arnab, take photographs, shoot social media reels and even attempted to enter the water despite the hazardous conditions. It prompted police to launch a large-scale evacuation drive and clear the shoreline amid rough sea conditions.Police sources said over 5,000 tourists were evacuated from the beach and were asked to stay away from the sea. The evacuation was carried out hours before the cyclone made landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast.Multiple foot patrol teams were deployed on a nearly 9-km stretch from Penthakota to Sipasarubali New Marine Drive beach area. Personnel moved along the shoreline, using handheld sirens and whistles to alert tourists and persuade them to return to their hotels and other safe locations.Senior officers, including SP (Puri) Prateek Singh, DSP (city) Rashmiranjan Mohapatra and inspectors-in-charge of Sea Beach, Baliapanda and Penthakota Marine police stations, supervised the operation.According to police, the sea remained extremely turbulent throughout the day, with giant waves crashing onto the shore amid heavy rain and gusty winds. Concerned over the deteriorating weather conditions, the administration had issued advisories on Monday and Tuesday asking tourists and residents to avoid venturing into the sea or visiting the beach unnecessarily.“Public safety was our top priority. Despite repeated announcements and advisories, many visitors gathered on the beach to witness the rough sea. Our teams had to continuously persuade them to leave the area,” said SP (Puri) Prateek Singh.Official sources said hotels and lodge owners were also asked to sensitise their guests about the dangers posed by the cyclone and discourage beach visits during the warning period. Police said intensified patrolling would continue until sea conditions improve and authorities withdraw cyclone-related restrictions.