Heavy rainfall and powerful winds from a Kalbaisakhi (nor’wester) storm swept through Odisha on Monday, offering relief from the intense heatwave but leaving behind a trail of destruction.
Trees Uprooted at Chief Minister’s Residence
One of the most striking incidents occurred at the official residence of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, where several trees were uprooted due to the strong gusts. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Fire service teams quickly arrived and removed the fallen trees to prevent further disruption, a senior official confirmed.
Storm Disrupts Life Across Odisha
The storm, which brought much-needed rain after two weeks of scorching heat, affected more than two-thirds of the state. Trees and electricity poles were uprooted in multiple areas, especially in the capital city of Bhubaneswar, causing road blockages and significant inconvenience to daily commuters.
Twenty out of Odisha’s 30 districts experienced intense weather conditions, including:
- Thunderstorms
- Lightning strikes
- Hailstorms
- Gusty winds
This sudden change in weather damaged standing crops, especially paddy, across rural belts. Minor damage to kutcha houses (mud huts) and thatched roofs was reported in districts like Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, and Balasore.
IMD Issues Fresh Weather Alerts
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast more unstable weather ahead. Several districts, including Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Angul, Dhenkanal, Boudh, Kandhamal, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri, are expected to experience thundershowers on Tuesday (April 29).
An ‘orange’ warning—a moderate risk alert—has been issued for Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Balasore, Bhadrak, and Jajpur. Residents are advised to stay indoors during the afternoon when storms are most likely to occur.
Between April 29 and May 1, Odisha may witness:
- Heavy rainfall
- Isolated hailstorms
- Thunder squalls with wind speeds up to 60 kmph
- Squally winds gusting up to 55 kmph
Safety Advisory from Power Company
TP Central Odisha Distribution Limited, which handles power supply in central Odisha, issued a safety advisory on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The company urged people to take all necessary precautions during Kalbaisakhi, highlighting the unpredictability and danger associated with sudden storms.
Heatwave Conditions Subside
The rains brought a noticeable dip in temperatures across the state. Most places recorded lower maximum temperatures, with Bolangir being the only district to cross the 40°C mark, registering 40.4°C.
Key Takeaways:
- Storm Impact: Disrupted roads, damaged crops and homes, and power supply issues.
- Government Response: Quick clearance of trees at the CM’s residence and district-level alerts.
- Weather Outlook: More thunderstorms, hailstorms, and strong winds likely through May 1.
- Safety Tip: Avoid stepping out during afternoon hours and stay away from trees, electrical poles, and open fields during storms.
