Kalbaisakhi storm hits Odisha: Trees uprooted at CM’s residence

Bhubaneswar, April 28: Rain and nor'wester winds—locally known as Kalbaisakhi—swept across Odisha on Monday, offering much-needed relief from the heatwave that had gripped the state for the past two weeks.

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However, the storm left a trail of damage. Trees and electric poles were uprooted in several areas, including the capital, Bhubaneswar, leading to road blockages. Even Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s official residence was not spared, with several trees falling within the campus. "Fire service personnel cleared the uprooted trees from the CM’s residence," a senior official said.

The severe weather affected more than 20 of the state’s 30 districts, bringing thunderstorms, lightning, hailstorms, and strong winds. These conditions caused widespread damage to standing crops—especially paddy—according to the Disaster Management Department. Minor damage to kutcha houses and huts was also reported from Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, and Balasore districts.

Also Read: Odisha likely to experience lightning, hail, & heavy rainfall till May 2: IMD

The India Meteorological Department has forecast more thundershowers for Tuesday in most coastal regions and the districts of Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Angul, Dhenkanal, Boudh, Kandhamal, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri. An 'orange' warning has been issued for Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Keonjhar, Bhadrak, and Jajpur, advising residents to remain alert for thunderstorms in the afternoon.

The rains brought a significant drop in temperature across Odisha. Only Bolangir recorded a maximum temperature above 40°C, at 40.4°C.