A powerful tornado caused widespread destruction in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district on Saturday afternoon. The sudden storm damaged houses, uprooted trees and left several people injured. Officials said the rare weather event created panic among residents in multiple villages.
Tornado leaves a trail of destruction in villages
The tornado struck villages along National Highway 220 around 4 pm and lasted for nearly 30 minutes. Kia and Kankada villages in Karanjia block were among the worst affected, while nearby Panapasi and Dumuria villages also reported significant damage. Strong winds uprooted trees and electric poles, tore off rooftops and scattered vehicles across roads.
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In one shocking incident, the powerful winds lifted an autorickshaw and threw it into a nearby pond. Several motorcycles were also blown off the road, while one house was destroyed, and many others suffered severe damage.
A dark, funnel-shaped tornado formed beneath a grey, stormy sky, spinning rapidly as it moved across the land. The twisting column of wind looked like a giant black tube connecting the clouds to the ground. As it rotated violently, it pulled dust and debris into the air, creating a frightening and powerful sight.
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Two dead, 17 injured and around 100 houses damaged as a tornado hit villages across both sides of NH 220 in Karanjia block of Mayurbhanj on Sunday afternoon. pic.twitter.com/GyIsbBGU3i
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Relief operations begin, compensation announced
Officials confirmed that two people lost their lives in the disaster, and at least 17 others were injured. The injured were rescued and admitted to the Karanjia Sub-Divisional Hospital for treatment. Authorities are still assessing how many people are critically injured. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced ex gratia of ₹4 lakh for the families of the deceased from the State Disaster Response Fund. Sub-collector Panchpir Kasturi Panda visited the hospital and affected villages to oversee relief work, while fire services personnel continued clearing debris and assisting residents.
Tornadoes are rare in India but sometimes occur in eastern states during the pre-monsoon season. Authorities are continuing damage assessment and relief efforts in the affected areas.
