Several parts of Odisha were battered by heavy rain, hailstorms and gusty winds on Monday, disrupting daily life and causing damage to standing crops in multiple districts. The sudden spell of unseasonal weather triggered panic in several areas as dark clouds gathered rapidly before intense showers and hail began.
Districts such as Koraput district, Bargarh district and Subarnapur district witnessed heavy rainfall accompanied by hailstones and strong surface winds.
Koraput, Subarnapur Among Worst-Hit Areas
In Koraput district, heavy rain was reported from Potangi, Gangarajpur and Sunki after sudden cloud formation led to torrential showers. Residents reported strong winds followed by prolonged rainfall, leading to waterlogging in some pockets.
Similarly, the Binika area of Subarnapur district experienced a hailstorm along with gusty winds and intense rainfall. Several localities, including Singhijuba, Jampali, Balaranga, Dendupadar, Sarguna, Sindurpur and Khairmal, reported continuous rain and hail after abrupt weather changes.
Farmers in affected regions expressed concern over crop damage, particularly to standing paddy and vegetable crops. The unseasonal weather at a critical agricultural stage has raised fears of financial losses in certain pockets.
IMD Issues Yellow Warning for Thunderstorms
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Yellow Warning for thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, rain and gusty winds across Odisha for two days starting Tuesday.
As many as 18 districts have been placed under the Yellow Warning:
Sundargarh, Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Keonjhar, Jajpur, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Nuapada, Jharsuguda, Ganjam, Gajapati and Bargarh.
The weather department has cautioned residents about possible lightning strikes and strong surface winds during this period. People have been advised to remain alert, avoid sheltering under trees during thunderstorms, and follow local advisories to ensure safety.
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely as intermittent rainfall and storm activity are expected to continue in several districts over the next 48 hours.
