Bhubaneswar: The rain accompanied by nor’wester (Kalabaisakhi) wreaked havoc in the state, causing widespread damage and disruption. Strong winds uprooted trees, snapped power lines, and damaged roofs, leaving many without electricity or shelter. Crops were destroyed, and roads were blocked, hindering rescue efforts.
As per reports, Kalabaisakhi also brought gusty winds damaging kutcha houses and huts in Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, and Balasore.
It is learnt that several trees also fell at Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s official residence. Fire service personnel were called to remove the trees from the CM’s residence campus.
The Kalbaisakhi nor’wester brought much-needed relief to Odisha on Monday, ending the heatwave that had gripped the state for over a fortnight. The rain and strong winds associated with the storm provided a welcome respite from the sweltering heat.
According to the India Meteorological Department, more rain is on the horizon. Thunderstorms are forecast for Tuesday in several districts, including the coastal regions, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Angul, Dhenkanal, Boudh, Kandhamal, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri. Residents are advised to stay alert and take necessary precautions.
Meanwhile, an orange warning was issued for Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Keonjhar, Bhadrak, and Jajpur, alerting residents to prepare for thunderstorms on Tuesday afternoon. The recent rains have led to a significant drop in maximum temperatures across the state, with Balangir being the only district to record a temperature above 40 degrees Celsius, at 40.4 degrees.
That apart, a yellow warning has been issued for 21 districts today, except for western Odisha. Residents are advised to remain cautious as winds are expected to blow at speeds of 40-50 kmph in some areas of the coastal districts. There are also indications of heavy rainfall accompanied by lightning in some places.
