Heavy to very heavy rains occurred at many parts of Odisha. In the last 24 hours, Balasore recorded 72mm rain, Angul and Bhubaneswar 64mm rain each, Paradip 43mm, Chandbali 39mm, Cuttack 34mm, Keonjhargarh 21mm, and Sambalpur recorded 19mm.
At least six persons in Odisha lost their lives across due to lightning strikes and heavy thundershower. Several houses and crops were also damaged across Balasore district. Strong winds uprooted trees at many places leading to destruction in communication and power lines.
In fact, coastal districts of Odisha are getting heavy rain and thundershower activity, accompanied with lightning strikes, strong surface winds as well as hailstorm at isolated pockets. Later part of April and May is the favorable time for call Baisakhi or nor’ westers. During this period, day temperature increases significantly and gives rise to build-up of convective clouds known as a cumulonimbus.
At present, humid winds from the Bay of Bengal are feeding moisture over Eastern parts of the country including Odisha. A trough is extending from Bangladesh to south Odisha. Chances of heavy rain and thundershowers to continue over coastal Odisha are very bright until April 28 or 29. At present Odisha is rain surplus by 131%. By the end of April, we expect rain surplus of Odisha to increase more.
It is advised to take precautions against lightning strikes and strong winds to safeguard life and property.