Bhubaneswar, March 22: A powerful rainstorm and hailstorm have wreaked havoc in Odisha, leaving two people dead and 67 others injured. The severe weather event caused extensive damage, with around 600 houses affected across multiple districts.
Two fatalities were reported in Ganjam and Puri districts on Saturday, caused by lightning strikes. Additionally, 67 individuals were injured after being struck by hailstones in Mayurbhanj district. Seven of the injured were critically hurt and required hospitalization at the district's headquarters hospital.
The storm, which brought heavy rainfall and hail, caused significant damage to infrastructure, homes, and crops. Rescue teams have been deployed to assist the affected areas, and medical support is being provided to those injured.
Reports from Ganjam district indicate that thunderstorms and lightning, accompanied by rainfall, affected multiple areas, leading to waterlogging in parts of Berhampur town.
The state government has pledged to provide quick relief to restore normalcy and support families in rebuilding their homes. Authorities are currently assessing the full extent of the damage and coordinating with disaster response teams to provide aid.
