Thunderstorm, lightning alert issued for parts of Odisha

The Meteorological centre on Wednesday said thunderstorm and lightning is likely to occur in parts of Odisha today.

The alert comes days after Cyclone Fani wreaked havoc in the state, claiming the lives of as many as 64 people.

Odisha's Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) said, "Dangerous thunderstorm and lightning alert for Betanati and Barsahi blocks of Mayurbhanj district and Remuna, Nilagiri and Baleswar blocks of Baleswar district today."

The official also said heavy thunderstorm and lightning is likely in areas such as Thakurmunda, Kaptipada and Hatadihi blocks of Mayurbhanj district, Anandapur and Ghasipura blocks of Keonjhar district, Khaira block of Baleswar district, Bonth and Bhadrak blocks of Bhadrak district.

Meanwhile, Bhubaneswar's Meteorological Centre said, "Moderate thunderstorm or lightning with light rainfall and gusty wind speed reaching 30 to 40 kmph likely to occur at one or two places over the districts of Anugul, Dhenkanal, Cuttack and Balangir between 3-3.45 PM and 3-6.45 pm."

Fani made landfall in Odisha on May 3, with Puri recording the maximum number of casualties (39), according to official estimates released by the Odisha government on Saturday.

According to government data, livestock casualties are over 34 lakhs and over one crore sixty-five lakh people were adversely affected by 'Fani' in the state.