Odisha was battered by severe rain, hailstorms, and lightning over the past 24 hours, leaving a trail of destruction. Two people lost their lives and 67 others sustained injuries, while over 600 homes were damaged across multiple districts, officials confirmed on Saturday.
In Ganjam district, a Class 10 student, Rajesh Kumar Goud (15), tragically died after being struck by lightning while returning home near Narayanpur. Similarly, in Puri district, Manoj Kumar Nayak (23) was fatally struck by lightning while helping his parents clear water from their paddy field.
Mayurbhanj district bore the brunt of the hailstorm, with 67 injured—seven seriously—and approximately 600 houses either fully or partially damaged. District collector Hema Kanta Say stated that relief efforts have been launched in the worst-hit Bisoi and Bangirposi blocks. Over 50 villages were affected, with victims receiving polythene sheets, food, and emergency aid.
Urban Development Minister KC Mohapatra assured compensation within two days, highlighting the Chief Minister’s prompt response.
Reports of property damage also emerged from Keonjhar, Nabarangpur, and Nuapada districts.
Meanwhile, Berhampur town witnessed waterlogging. Fire personnel rescued a visually impaired woman trapped in rising water at Subudhi Colony. Rainwater also inundated MKCG Medical College Hospital, inconveniencing patients.
The IMD warned of continued thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds over the next three days, issuing orange and yellow alerts for various districts.
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