A sudden nor’wester tore through parts of Bhubaneswar on Saturday afternoon, uprooting hundreds of trees and electric poles, leaving major stretches clogged with debris. The spell of rain, accompanied by hailstones and strong winds, lasted barely half an hour. No loss of life or injuries were reported until late evening, officials confirmed.
Impact Zone and Traffic Disruption
Commuters were caught unawares as the storm swept across a compact but heavily trafficked zone in the heart of the city. The impact was largely confined within a four-kilometre radius, from Unit-VI to Jayadev Vihar, affecting neighbourhoods and junctions including Nayapalli, Shastri Nagar, Unit-IV, Lok Bhawan Square, Pump House Square, CRP Square, Delta Square, Fire Station Square and AG Square. The gusts brought down mature trees and large limbs, some landing across carriageways and medians, halting traffic for nearly half an hour at multiple locations. The stretch from Lok Bhawan Square to Jayadev Vihar was among the worst affected.
Wind Speed and Emergency Response
According to India Meteorological Department (IMD), Bhubaneswar, the wind speed during the squall ranged between 80 and 100 kmph. Fire and emergency personnel were deployed across the city to cut and remove fallen trunks, uprooted trees and scattered debris, restoring traffic flow. “Traffic was soon normalised,” an official said. The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation’s sanitation wing also pressed teams into service to clear green waste and haul branches and broken trunks from roads and public spaces.
Damage at Key Locations
At Kalinga Stadium, around 500 tall trees planted for shade and beautification were reportedly uprooted. Janata Maidan, a major public meeting and convention venue, also saw extensive damage, with several trees uprooted and large signboards collapsed. Power supply was disrupted in many localities, with electricity not restored in several pockets until late evening.
The storm’s sudden fury left a trail of debris across the city, but swift action by authorities helped normalise conditions quickly. Residents are advised to stay cautious as weather conditions may remain unsettled.
