Story Content

A series of tragic incidents unfolded in six districts of Odisha, where heavy rainfall and lightning strikes resulted in the loss of at least 10 lives. According to reports, four individuals lost their lives in Khurda district, while Bolangir witnessed two fatalities. Additionally, Angul, Boudh, Jagatsinghpur, and Dhenkanal each reported one casualty, as confirmed by the office of the special relief commissioner. In Khurda, three individuals were injured due to lightning strikes.

Coastal Odisha Experiences Heavy Rainfall and Lightning

The coastal regions of Odisha, including the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, were battered by heavy rainfall accompanied by lightning strikes. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of a similar weather pattern prevailing across multiple parts of the state over the next four days. A cyclonic circulation was identified as the catalyst for this monsoon activation, leading to widespread heavy rainfall.

 Record Rainfall and Lightning Activity

During a brief 90-minute period in the afternoon, Bhubaneswar recorded 126 mm of rainfall, while Cuttack received 95.8 mm. The state also experienced a significant number of lightning strikes, with 36,597 cloud-to-cloud (CC) and 25,753 cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning occurrences, as reported by the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA).

 Monsoon Intensifies with Cyclonic Circulation

H.R. Biswas, the director of the Regional Meteorological Centre, noted the presence of a cyclonic circulation over the northeast Bay of Bengal and the likelihood of another forming in the northern Bay of Bengal around September 3. Under their influence, a low-pressure area is expected to develop within the next 48 hours. As a result, Odisha, which had experienced a subdued southwest monsoon, is now bracing for heavy rainfall over the next three to four days due to these meteorological developments. The authorities have advised residents to seek shelter in safe locations during thunderstorm activity to ensure their safety.