Bhubaneswar, May 30 -- A severe Kalbaisakhi storm accompanied by heavy rain, thunder, and lightning wreaked havoc in the Muniguda area of Rayagada district on Saturday night, claiming the life of a pump operator and killing 11 cattle.

The deceased, Jitu Jal, was on duty at the Hukumtola Pump House when a large tree, uprooted by strong winds, fell on him. He reportedly died on the spot, according to local reports. The storm brought intense rainfall and gusty winds that led to the collapse of multiple trees across the region.

In a separate but related incident, 11 cattle were reportedly killed by lightning strikes in Madhumunda village, also located in the Muniguda area. The incident has caused alarm among local residents, who reported co...