The casualties occurred in Khurda, Bolangir, Angul, Boudh, Jagatsinghpur, and Dhenkanal districts, according to local sources.

The coastal areas of Odisha, including Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, were particularly affected by the heavy rain and lightning.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast similar weather conditions for several parts of the state over the next four days.

The weather phenomenon is attributed to a cyclonic circulation that has activated the monsoon, resulting in widespread heavy rainfall across Odisha.

The IMD has advised the public to seek shelter in safe locations during thunderstorm activity.

A cyclonic circulation has formed in the northeast Bay of Bengal, and another is expected to develop in the northern Bay of Bengal around September 3rd. These weather patterns are likely to lead to the formation of a low-pressure area in the next 48 hours.

As a result of these cyclonic circulations and the potential low-pressure area, the southwest monsoon, which had been subdued in Odisha, is expected to bring heavy rainfall to the region over the next three to four days.

The IMD has warned of widespread heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning in several districts of Odisha over the next few days. The public has been advised to take precautions and stay safe. (ILKHA)