At least four people were today critically injured as the southern Odisha districts of Malkangiri and Rayagada were hit by a nor'wester, officials said.
The Special Relief Commissioner's (SRC) Office said four persons were severely injured when uprooted trees fell on them and in incidents of wall collapse,
In April, three others died as nor'westers struck Balasore, Bargarh and Mayurbhanj districts, said Deputy SRC, Pravat Ranjan Mohapatra.
While two persons were killed after tree branches fell on them in Balasore and Bargarh districts, another had died in a wall collapse in Mayurbhanj district, he said.
The official also said that major damage to crops and houses have been reported in six districts -- Bargarh, Jajpur, Subarnapur, Dhenkanal, Mayurbhanj and Balasore.
Bargarh has been identified as the worst-hit district, he said.
"We have received preliminary report on whirlwind and hailstorm from six districts. The report also mentions damage to crops and houses," Mahapatra said, adding, the district collectors have been asked to prepare crop damage assessment.
Vehicular communication on the Malkangiri-Jeypore road near Govindapalli Square has been disrupted, as several roadside trees were uprooted during the the nor'wester.
Similarly, heavy rain accompanied by strong winds lashed many parts of Rayagada district, leaving a trail of destruction, the officials said.
Meanwhile, the IMD has predicted more squall, rain and hail storms in various parts of Odisha till May 5.
(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)