Bhubaneswar, May 1: Kalbaisakhi storms sweeping across Odisha brought relief from intense heat and humidity on Thursday but also caused significant disruption, including a lightning death in Balangir and a drowning incident in Nayagarh where one person died and another went missing, sources said.

The sudden weather shift was marked by heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, hail and strong winds across multiple districts, a source informed.

Rainfall Data Across Key Locations
On Thursday, Puri recorded the highest rainfall at 68.8 mm, followed by Chhatrapur with 64.0 mm and Daringbadi with 63.0 mm. Bhubaneswar and Gopalpur each received 45.4 mm of rainfall, indicating widespread precipitation across coastal and southern regions.

Lightning Strike Claims One Life in Balangir
In a tragic incident, one person died after being struck by lightning in Deogaon area of Balangir district. The deceased, identified as Niranjan Barik of Kachharpali village, was reportedly working in an agricultural field during the storm.

Family members rushed him to Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital in Balangir, where doctors declared him dead, our source informed. Police seized the body and sent it for post-mortem.

Also Read: Mild Earthquake Jolts Kalahandi, Odisha Records 4.1 Magnitude Tremor

One Dead, One Missing in Kuanria Dam Incident
In another incident linked to the storm, two youths were swept away while fishing at Kuanria Dam in Daspalla area of Nayagarh district. After an extensive search, the body of Pradeep Pradhan was recovered, while Abhaya Khamari remains missing.

Fire services personnel and local police are continuing search and rescue operations at the site, the source said.

Advisory Issued Amid Severe Weather Conditions
The meteorological department has urged people to remain indoors during thunderstorms, avoid taking shelter under trees and stay away from water bodies, citing the risk posed by lightning and strong winds.