Bhawanipatna: A severe hailstorm triggered by a Kalbaisakhi lashed parts of Kalahandi district on Tuesday afternoon, leaving a trail of disruption and crop damage in several areas under Kokasara block.
The worst-affected panchayats included Ladugaon, Baradonga, and Ampani, where villagers described the storm as one of the most intense witnessed in nearly two decades. Hailstones measuring up to 4–5 inches blanketed roads, creating an unusual white landscape across the region.
In Shiuni village under Baradonga panchayat, roads were covered so densely with hail that they resembled a sheet of snow. The sudden onslaught of strong winds, heavy rainfall, and continuous hail left residents panicked, with many taking shelter as conditions rapidly worsened.
The impact was also felt on transportation, as hail accumulation on a nearby national highway led to significant traffic disruption for a considerable period.
Agricultural losses are reported to be substantial. Standing crops such as pulses, moong, black gram, sunflower, and various vegetables cultivated by local farmers have suffered extensive damage, raising concerns over livelihood losses in the region.
The incident comes just days after a whirlwind storm caused widespread damage in Karanjia area of Mayurbhanj district, adding to growing weather-related anxieties across Odisha. The latest Kalbaisakhi-induced storm in Kokasara has further heightened fear among residents already on edge due to recent extreme weather events.
Authorities are yet to release an official assessment of the damage.
