IMD predicts widespread rainfall in North Odisha for next 48 hours

Senior Scientist of IMD Bhubaneswar Uma Shankar Das said, "Widespread rainfall can occur in the next 48 hrs...Thunderstorms and lightning are also expected to occur in parts of North Odisha...Five districts are warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall: Dhenkanal, Angul, Kalahandi, Boudh, and Kandhamal...People have been warned to take safe shelter during lightning and thunderstorms...People should stay away from trees and water bodies..."

Senior Scientist Uma Shankar Das further said that thunderstorms and lightning are also expected to occur in parts of North Odisha and coastal Odisha.

He also said, "Meteorological features suggest heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely for the next 4 to 5 days in some districts of Odisha."

Earlier, at least 12 people were killed and 14 were reported injured due to heavy thunderstorms and lightning activities across Odisha on Saturday, said the Special Relief Commissioner's (SRC) office on Sunday.

In a post shared on X, the Special Relief Commissioner's (SRC) office also confirmed that eight cattle casualties were also reported from across the state following heavy thunder and lightning.

"Extreme thunderstorm and lightning activities across Odisha on September 2. 12 people died, 14 were injured, and 8 were cattle casualties," the post on X read. The department also confirmed that an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh will be paid to the families of the victims. And in the case of cattle deaths, assistance would be extended as admissible, said the Special Relief Commissioner's office. (ANI)