Bhubaneswar: Kalbaisakhi rain and thunderstorm swept through various parts of Odisha, including the capital city of Bhubaneswar, causing widespread damage and disruption. The storm, which lasted for about 30 minutes, brought heavy rain and gusty winds, uprooting trees and damaging property.
The thunderstorm hit Bhubaneswar around 10 AM, with dark clouds suddenly appearing in the sky and creating a nighttime-like atmosphere. The heavy rain and strong winds, blowing at a speed of over 60 kmph, brought the city to a standstill as busy roads became deserted.
The storm caused significant damage, with trees uprooted and branches broken in many areas. In some places, the winds damaged sheds made for sun protection at traffic posts. A tree fell on a car in the Bhimtangi area of Old Bhubaneswar, while a minor fell from a roof in Nayapally and was admitted to AIIMS in critical condition as an iron grill penetrated his right chest.
According to weather agency, the current weather conditions are favorable for Kalbaisakhi storms, with the temperature in the state not being too high. The weather department had forecast heavy Kalbaisakhi rain in the capital and other parts of the state.
