Bhubaneswar: Kalabaisakhi storms wreaked havoc across Odisha on Friday, leaving 11 people dead in different districts including Koraput, Ganjam, Jajpur, Dhenkanal, Balasore, and Mayurbhanj. Among the deceased were five women and three minors.
The storm’s destructive impact led many to refer to the day as “Black Friday.”
According to reports, in Koraput district, four people lost their lives in separate lightning incidents. Das Jani, a 32-year-old resident of Khalpadi village under Charangul panchayat in Semiliguda block, was killed by lightning while fishing near Lenziguda village.
In another tragic event in Paradiguda village under Odiapentha gram panchayat of Laxmipur block, Budri Mandinga (60), her granddaughter Kasa Mandinga (16), and Ambika Kashi (35) were struck by lightning while taking shelter in a hut near their paddy field. All three died on the spot and five others were injured.
In Ganjam district, Rita Goud (30) from Kebiri Brahmapur under Belaguntha police station was struck by lightning while near a mango orchard. She was taken to Bhanjanagar hospital but was declared dead. In Tanarada village, Narmada Polai (38) was injured after being struck by lightning while sitting outside her home. In A. Barida village under Kabisuryanagar police station, 13-year-old Omprakash Pradhan died while playing cricket in the village playground.
In Jajpur district, lightning killed two boys in Burusahi village under Anjira panchayat of Dharmashala block. Tara Hembram (9) and Jakhun Chatar (12) were struck while playing in the field in the afternoon.
In Dhenkanal district, Surushi Biswal (40) from Kusumundia village under Mahabirod police station was killed by lightning while standing in front of her house. In Kabara village under Gandia police station, 45-year-old Sanatan Dian was struck by lightning while returning from a field. His body was found with severe burns and he died at the spot.
In Mayurbhanj district, Chunarama Kisko (31), a labourer from Kuting village under Udala police station, died after being hit by lightning while returning from the Uparbeda forest office to his relative’s house in Balimundali Majhi Sahi. He was taken to Soro hospital where doctors declared him dead.
Many areas across the state reported heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and frequent lightning.
