Bhubaneswar, Feb. 24 -- Several parts of Odisha were battered by heavy rain accompanied by hailstorms and gusty winds on Monday, disrupting normal life and damaging crops in some areas.

Districts including Koraput, Bargarh, and Subarnapur witnessed intense rainfall coupled with hailstones. In many places, strong winds were followed by prolonged spells of rain and hail, triggering panic among residents.

In the Koraput district, heavy rainfall was reported in Potangi, Gangarajpur, and Sunki after dark clouds gathered suddenly, leading to torrential showers. Similarly, the Binika area of Subarnapur district experienced a hailstorm along with heavy rain and gusty winds. Localities such as Singhijuba, Jampali, Balaranga, Dendupadar, Sarguna,...