Storm in Odisha kills 2, injures 67, damages homes

In Odisha, heavy rain and hailstorms have caused destruction over the past day. At least two people have died, and 67 others are injured. The incidents occurred in various locations across the state. The two fatalities were the result of lightning strikes. One victim, a Class 10 student named Rajesh Kumar Goud, was struck while returning home in Ganjam district. Another man, Manoj Kumar Nayak, died in Puri district while working in a paddy field with his family. The hailstorm severely affected Mayurbhanj district, damaging around 600 houses. Authorities report that 350 homes were completely destroyed, while another 250 were partially damaged. Relief efforts are underway in the hardest-hit areas, with affected families receiving food and shelter materials. The Odisha Urban Development Minister has visited the storm-hit areas and assured that compensation will be provided soon. Other districts, including Keonjhar and Nabarangpur, have also reported damage from the storms. Rescue operations have been carried out, including a significant effort to save a visually impaired woman trapped in floodwaters in Berhampur. Additionally, flooding impacted a local medical college, causing inconvenience for patients. The India Meteorological Department has warned of more thunderstorms, lightning, and high winds in various districts over the next few days. An 'orange' warning has been issued for several areas due to the expected severe weather.