Violent tornado injures 12 people, damages 70 houses in Odisha, India

Around 70 thatched houses were damaged and 12 people were injured after a violent tornado hit seaside villages in the district of Kendrapara in Odisha, India, on Monday afternoon, June 15, 2020.

The storm struck around 10:30 UTC (16:00 LT) and lasted about 10 minutes.

The affected villages included Rangani, Patparia, Baghamari, Garata, Ahirajpur, Keruapala, Sailendrasarai, Hatiaganda, Pravati, Kantiakhai, and Khamarasahi.

"The tornado zeroed on Rangani, tossing pieces of around 12 thatched roofs and injuring eight people. Most residents who were injured just suffered bumps and bruises," said Rasmirekha Dalei, the head of Rangani village.

Among the injured were four children who were hit by flying roof tiles and metal sheets in Khamarasahi.

Ramesh Mandal, also one of the injured, said the twister upturned fishing boats. "The tornado toppled four fishing boats upside down at Talachua jetty. This left three fishermen injured."

Many families were left homeless as roofs of their houses were blown away. Numerous wooden cabins in the villages were also damaged. Uprooted trees caused road disruptions, and the power supply has also been badly affected.

The government is yet to confirm the actual extent of loss and damage. No fatalities have been reported.

"The administration will soon clear the roads by the uprooted removing trees. Some schools and cyclone shelters in the tornado-hit areas are now packed with women and children," said Bholanath Sethi, a Rajnagar official.

"We have started distributing food among the affected persons. We will arrange polythene covers for the affected persons soon. After proper assessment, the administration will provide financial help to the affected families to help them rebuild their houses."

Featured image credit: Odisha TV