Severe storm in Odisha’s Baripada kills 2, injures 3, uprooted trees| India News
Baripada Storm Aftermath Two Lives Lost Roads Severely Blocked
Baripada, Odisha – A severe storm unleashed its fury across Baripada town and its surrounding areas in Mayurbhanj district on the night of March 26, 2017, claiming two lives and leaving three others injured. The sudden, intense weather event caused widespread disruption, primarily due to numerous uprooted trees that blocked major roads, halting movement and daily life.
The tempest, characterized by high-velocity winds reaching speeds of 90-100 kmph and accompanied by heavy rain, struck late on Sunday night. The unexpected intensity left residents little time to react, leading to significant structural damage. Reports from local sources, including Odisha TV and Kalinga TV, confirmed the immediate devastation. Power infrastructure suffered considerably, plunging large sections of the town into darkness as electric poles toppled and lines snapped.
The storm’s tragic toll included two fatalities. One individual, Sanyasi Singh from Ward No. 12, perished when a tree collapsed onto his auto-rickshaw. The second victim, Banalata Mohanta of Ward No. 27, died after a wall collapsed on her as she sought shelter. Three others sustained injuries and received medical attention. Beyond the human cost, estimates suggested up to 60 houses were damaged, with roofs torn off and walls collapsing, displacing many families. Over 200 trees were uprooted, turning thoroughfares into impassable obstacles and isolating various localities.
Local administration and emergency services immediately mobilised following the storm. Efforts focused on clearing the blocked roads, removing debris, and restoring essential services like electricity and communication lines. Despite the swift response, the sheer scale of the damage posed a significant challenge, requiring days of concerted work to bring normalcy back to the affected areas. The community demonstrated resilience, with many residents assisting in initial cleanup efforts. Omni 360 News continues to monitor long-term recovery initiatives in disaster-prone regions.
Key Takeaways
- A severe storm hit Baripada, Odisha, on March 26, 2017.
- Two individuals lost their lives, and three were injured.
- Widespread road blockages and power outages were caused by hundreds of uprooted trees.
- Local authorities initiated immediate relief and restoration efforts.
- The event underscored the vulnerability of communities to sudden natural disasters.
