KENDRAPARA: A sudden tornado on NH-5 played havoc at Chagharia village in Kendrapara district on Wednesday. There was panic among the villagers as the velocity of the wind was very high.
At least 30 thatched houses were destroyed and many trees uprooted when the tornado hit Chagharia, Kalapada, Kansar, Purosotampur and Ostapur villages. “The tornado zeroed in on Chagharia village near National Highway 5(A) blowing away roof and damaging a structure,” said Abhiram Sahoo of Chagharia.
At least five persons, including two children, were injured after roofs were blown away in Kansar village, said Niranjan Parida, a villager. Around 12 wooden cabins were damaged in Kansar and Ostapur villages. Officials rushed to the tornado-hit areas. The tornado hit the villages at around 2 pm and lasted 10 minutes. Twelve thatched houses were destroyed in Purosotampur, said Madhaba Das, another villager. The nature’s fury has left many families homeless after roofs of their houses were blown away in Ostapur village, a villager said.
The authorities are yet to assess the loss and damage due to the tornado. However, no loss of life has been reported. Power supply and road communication have been badly affected in the tornado-hit areas as several big trees and electric poles have been uprooted.
Sarathi Lenka (45) and her daughter Sunita Lenka (18) of Kansar village sustained burn injuries after lightning struck their house on Wednesday afternoon, said Pradumnya Jena, Sarapanch of Kansar Gram Panchayat.
“After assessment, the administration will provide financial help to the affected families to rebuild their houses”, said Kanhu Charana Dhir, Sub- Collector of Kendrapara.