In the first incident, three people were killed and as many seriously injured when they were thatching a prayer room of Jagannath temple at Labanagiri on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar. The deceased have been identified as Rama Patra, 55, Santia Harichandan, 26, and Tutu Ojha, 22.
Other deaths were reported from Dhauli, which is on the outskirts of the capital city, Kendrapara district, Bhadrak district, Kandagaradi and Bisrampur villages, Pagala Baba Chhak, and Ganjam district. In Khurda district, a woman was killed and three others were injured at Diagan, while six more were wounded at Totapada village. There were deaths and injuries in Mayurbhanj district as well.
Most of the victims were either working in open fields or had taken shelter under tree when they were struck by thunderbolts, police told the Indian Express. The squall also caused extensive damage in Berhampur. Uprooted trees blocked roads and there were power cuts for several hours.
The Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre has predicted thunderstorms accompanied by rain over north Odisha on Thursday.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!