Bhubaneswar, March 17 -- A sudden and intense hailstorm lashed Daringbadi locality in Odisha's Kandhamal district, turning the roads white and leaving a trail of damage across the region on Tuesday.

The weather changed abruptly as dark clouds gathered, followed by heavy rain, strong winds, and a barrage of hailstones. Within minutes, roads and open areas were covered with hail, creating a scene resembling a white sheet spread across the landscape.

The hailstorm, attributed to the seasonal Kalbaisakhi (Nor'wester), is said to be the first such occurrence in the region this year.

While the rainfall brought temporary relief from the heat, it also caused significant damage. Reports indicate that asbestos roofs of several houses were damage...