Norwester Wreaks Havoc in Odisha, Claims Three Lives
A devastating norwester struck various parts of Odisha on Friday night, resulting in the tragic deaths of three individuals across two districts. The severe weather event brought heavy rain, lightning, and powerful thunderstorms that caused significant damage to property and infrastructure throughout the state.
Fatal Incidents in Mayurbhanj and Puri Districts
In Mayurbhanj district, two motorcyclists lost their lives in separate incidents caused by the violent storm. One Nabadas Hansdah was riding his motorcycle near Asanjoda on the Kuliana road when a tree fell on him, leading to his immediate death. Another rider, Naveen Murmu, died when his motorcycle collided with an uprooted tree on the Baripada-Udala road at Khunta.
Meanwhile, in Puri district, an elderly person named Jagannath Behera from Alisa village under Pipili police station near Bhubaneswar was killed when a coconut tree fell on him during the norwester. The incident occurred while Behera was consuming prasad near the Shiv temple of his village on Friday night. Family members confirmed he died on the spot.
Emergency Response and Rescue Efforts
Fire services personnel received information about the Puri incident around 11:30 PM on Friday and promptly reached the village along with local police. They worked to rescue Behera by cutting the fallen coconut tree, but unfortunately, he had already succumbed to his injuries. Local MLA Ashrit Pattanayak visited the village to meet with Behera's grieving family members and offer condolences.
Widespread Impact Across Multiple Districts
The destructive effects of the norwester were not limited to Mayurbhanj and Puri districts. Keonjhar and Sundargarh districts also experienced significant damage from the severe weather. Reports indicate that heavy rain, lightning, and thunderstorms damaged numerous houses, boundary walls, and trees throughout these affected areas.
IMD Weather Data and Forecast
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Bhubaneswar, light to moderate rainfall occurred at many places across Odisha during the storm. The agency recorded squalls at Bhubaneswar and Jharsuguda with maximum wind speeds reaching approximately 56 kmph and 83 kmph respectively on Friday.
Official sources confirmed that some areas in the districts of Kandhamal, Gajapati, Ganjam, Koraput, and Mayurbhanj received heavy rainfall between Friday night and Saturday morning.
Continuing Weather Warnings
The IMD issued a bulletin on Saturday warning of continued severe weather conditions. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty surface winds with speeds reaching 40-50 kmph are very likely to occur at isolated places over the districts of Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Balasore, Bhadrak, Ganjam, Gajapati, and Rayagada from Sunday morning to Monday morning.
Additionally, districts including Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Koraput, and Malkangiri are expected to experience gusty surface winds with speeds reaching 30-40 kmph during this period. Residents are advised to exercise caution and stay informed about weather updates as the situation develops.
