Baripada, Mar 21: Bringing a much-needed respite from prevailing heat wave conditions, a severe hailstorm hit Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district last night and injured at least 40 people.
The heavy Nor’wester rain accompanied by strong winds and hailstones lashed several areas, particularly in Bangriposi and Bisoi blocks of the district, and caused significant damage to houses and infrastructure.
As per reports, under the influence of storm the roofs of many houses were blown away, while some structures collapsed due to the intense storm. Normal life was affected as large trees and electric poles were uprooted, causing widespread power outages in the affected areas. Electricity supply was disrupted in Rairangpur town and nearby regions for several hours.
Soon, firefighters were mobilized to clear the uprooted trees and restore normalcy.
Bisoi block in the district was one of the worst-affected areas as many houses were damaged after trees fell on rooftops. Furthermore, hailstones injured several people and killed some domestic animals.
In Majhisahi village under Bisoi Panchayat, a big tree fell on Sumitra Hembram’s house, which had an asbestos roof, and damaged it. Fortunately, her children, who were inside, escaped with minor injuries.
In Khadambeda Panchayat, the villages of Deopata and Musamari also faced heavy damage.
In Deopata village, nine goats were killed in the hailstorm. Hailstones caused widespread destruction in Khadambeda, Musamari, Pundida, Deopata, Dudhkund, and Rajabasa villages, damaging many homes.
