Koksara, Mar 18: A norwestern with heavy hailstorm lashed several panchayats in Koksara block of Kalahandi district on Tuesday afternoon, causing widespread damage and disrupting normal life.

According to local reports, the panchayats of Ladugam, Baradonga, and Ampani were severely affected. Residents said that such intense hailstorm had not been witnessed in the past 20 years. Roads were covered with a layer of hailstones measuring 4-5 inches in some areas. The strong winds accompanying the storm created panic among people as they sought shelter.

Villagers of Baradonga Panchayat, particularly Siuni village, reported that the hailstorm created an appearance similar to a white blanket across the roads. National highways in the area experienced traffic disruptions for several hours due to the storm.

Agricultural fields in these areas also faced massive losses, particularly crops such as pulses, groundnut, sunflower, and paddy. Following previous storms in nearby regions like Talanjia, locals were already on edge, and the norwestern combined with hailstorm intensified fears and caused anxiety among the residents of Koksara block.