A powerful Kalbaisakhi storm, a seasonal Nor’wester in eastern India, swept through Odisha, with Mayurbhanj, a tribal-dominated region, being the worst affected. The storm brought Nor’wester rain, relieving the heatwave, but caused widespread destruction. Hailstones damaged homes, vehicles, and infrastructure. Over 50 people were injured, many with head and limb injuries due to the heavy hailstorm.
What is Kalbaisakhi?
Kalbaisakhi, or Nor’wester, is a violent pre-monsoon thunderstorm occurring between March and May, primarily in Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, and Assam. It features sudden strong winds, heavy rain, lightning, and hailstorms, causing significant damage. These storms are triggered by intense land heating during summer, leading to atmospheric instability and powerful cumulonimbus cloud formation.
Severe injuries & medical response
The worst-hit area was Bangripossi, where over 50 people were injured. Among them, 20 were transferred to Baripada Medical College and Hospital for advanced treatment, while others received care at Rairangpur Sub-Division Medical Centre. The storm lasted over half an hour, affecting multiple blocks in the Rairangpur region and leaving destruction.
Fierce winds and hailstorms caused extensive damage, particularly to asbestos-roofed houses. Many buildings lost their roofs, and vehicles—including buses and cars—had shattered windows. Public transport was impacted; a bus from Bangripossi to Rairangpur had broken windows, but all 40 passengers escaped unhurt.
More thunderstorms & rainfall expected
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts more thunderstorms, strong winds, and possible hailstorms in Odisha in the coming days. Heavy showers have lowered temperatures in Koraput, Sunabeda, and nearby regions. Rainfall is expected until March 23, keeping temperatures 3 to 5 degrees Celsius below normal.
The IMD has issued an Orange Warning for six districts—Balasore, Bhadrak, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Sundargarh, and Jharsuguda—warning of thunderstorms, lightning, and winds of 30-40 km/h. Ten other districts are also under Orange Alert, while four are on Yellow Alert for March 22.
The Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) has directed district collectors to stay vigilant and report damages from thunderstorms, lightning, whirlwinds, or hailstorms. Precautionary measures are being taken to prevent casualties and protect infrastructure.
As Odisha recovers from the storm’s impact, changing weather patterns are expected to bring relief from the heat, while authorities monitor the situation closely.
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