Odisha braces for more Kalbaisakhi storms amid massive damage, IMD warning

Rainfall and thunderstorms continued across most parts of Odisha under the influence of Kalbaisakhi. Starting Thursday, several interior and southern districts of the state, like Koraput and Sundargarh, saw heavy intermittent rainfall before the entire state received a much-needed respite from a prevailing heatwave owing to cooler, moisture-laden winds.

Under the impact of Kalbaisakhi, however, disruptions to normal life were reported from several parts of Odisha.

Daily lives brought to a standstill

On Saturday evening, sudden thunderstorms, accompanied by strong winds and heavy rainfall, lashed Mohana in the Gajapati district and surrounding areas.

As a result, in some places, trees got uprooted, while in other areas, there was power disruption, throwing daily lives and traffic out of gear.

Sources also reported that strong winds caused several trees to fall and subsequently block a stretch of National Highway 326. However, upon receiving the news, the Mohana Fire Department reached the spot and started clearing the fallen trees and traffic was restored after a while.

Several injured in Kalbaisakhi storms

Similarly, on Friday, more than 50 people were left injured after hailstorms lashed Bangriposi in the Mayurbhanj district.

Reports had then stated that about twenty of the injured were transferred to Baripada Medical College and Hospital, owing to the reported grievous nature of the injuries sustained to the head and limbs.

IMD forecast:

Meanwhile, in its latest forecast, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted that the effects of Kalbaisakhi are expected to persist until tomorrow. However, it added that the intensity of rainfall will decrease from today.

According to the Bhubaneswar wing of the IMD, rainfall is expected to reduce significantly from 24th March, following which the maximum temperature will gradually rise.

The MeT also issued a yellow warning for 15 districts today for lightning and thunderstorms. Similarly, a storm warning has been issued for 9 districts tomorrow, along with the possibility of rainfall in some parts of coastal Odisha.