Bhubaneswar, Mar 24: The Kalbaisakhi storm has severely impacted several parts of Odisha, leaving a trail of destruction across the state. After hitting Mayurbhanj, the storm swept through Keonjhar and Berhampur, bringing heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning.
Tragically, two people lost their lives due to lightning strikes in Ganjam and Puri districts on Saturday. In Ganjam, a 45-year-old farmer was struck while working in his field, and in Puri, a 35-year-old man was killed while taking shelter under a tree.
Over 553 houses were damaged across various districts in the past 24 hours. Bisoi and Bangirposi blocks in Mayurbhanj were especially affected by hailstorms, while Keonjhar, Nabarangpur, and Nuapada also reported significant damage due to the storm's intense weather conditions.
The storm's fierce winds ripped off asbestos roofs, and hailstorms shattered the glass windows of several passenger buses. Large trees were uprooted and fell across roads, while power supply was disrupted as electric poles were knocked down. Wind speeds in some areas exceeded 70 km/h, amplifying the destruction.
In Berhampur, rainwater flooded government offices, shops, and temples. At the MKCG Medical College, rainwater inundated ticket counters and outdoor wards, halting patient services. The situation worsened when a tree fell at Courtpeta Chowk, blocking the road and damaging two vehicles. Firefighters worked to clear the debris and restore traffic. Reports indicated that water levels in several streets reached up to 1 meter, further exacerbating the crisis.
In Prem Nagar, water entered multiple homes, and firefighters had to rescue a visually impaired woman trapped inside her house. The storm also devastated villages like Baria, Raikala, and Balijodi in the Kantipal panchayat of Anandapur block, causing significant damage. In these villages, agricultural fields were also submerged, leaving farmers worried about their crops.
The Regional Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar has issued a warning for continued rainfall over the next 24 hours, with heavy rain expected in Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, and Jagatsinghpur.
An orange alert has been issued for several districts, including Sundargarh, Deogarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Cuttack, and Jagatsinghpur, due to the risk of thunderstorms and heavy rain. Eighteen other districts are under a yellow alert.
The Odisha government has mobilized rescue teams and is working to provide relief to the affected communities, as the storm continues to impact the region.
