North Baleswar experienced devastating effects of hailstorms accompanied with rains on Saturday evening and again there were cyclonic storms on Sunday evening.
While the epicentre was Remuna, the adjacent affected patches were Nilgiri, Badhashi, Baisinga and Betnati. Properties worth crores of rupees were damaged and at least 20 people were injured in Remuna area.
Either they were in the agriculture fields or on their way to their homes when they encountered the nature’s fury. The injured patients were rushed to nearby hospital.
Most importantly, the storm besides uprooting trees and electric poles, caused a massive damages to the dwelling houses of asbestos and straw roofs. Rabi paddy crop, vegetables and pulses too were damaged.
“The hailstorm was unprecedented. Although there was a warning of Kala Baisakhi yet its fury to this extent was not apprehended,” said local resident of Remuna Saroj Behera. The whole area plunged into darkness for hours together after major power breakdowns occurred with the supply lines snapped. The power supply of Baleswar town and its periphery while was restored after about 8 hours, still several patches were without power.
The worst affected pockets were Badapal, Mandarpur and Hatiagand of Remuna block. Similar loss and damages were witnessed in Baisinga, Betnati and Badasahi blocks of Mayurbhanj district.
Death of two cattle, one each from Remuna and Badasahi due to lightening strike, too was reported.
The district administration said appropriate steps would taken after inquiry. “The block development officers and tehsildars have been asked to submit reports of loss and damages attributed to the calamity of their respective areas after making field visit,” said ADM Manas Ranjan Padhi.