Bhubaneswar, May 1 -- A sudden Kalbaisakhi storm hit parts of Odisha late on Thursday night, causing widespread damage in Puri and Ganjam districts.

Trees were uprooted and electric poles were damaged, leading to road blockages. Heavy rain, strong winds and lightning disrupted normal life and triggered emergency response efforts.

The storm struck Ganjam's Sanakhemundi around midnight, bringing heavy rain and strong winds. A huge tree fell on a tin-roofed shop, destroying goods, while the family present narrowly escaped.

Another large tree collapsed near Taptapani temple, damaging a shop and a house. The sudden weather change caused panic as structures and trees were unable to withstand the force of the winds.

Fire services in Sanakhem...