By IANS
Bhubaneswar : Heavy rains in parts of Orissa during the past 24 hours have thrown life out of gear in the state, an official said Saturday.
According to unconfirmed reports, at least seven persons died Friday in separate lightning strikes across the state
Among places reporting heavy rainfall were Alipingal (12 cm) and Paradeep (8 cm) — both in the coastal district of Jagatsinghpur, an official of the Bhubaneswar meteorological office told IANS.
Elsewhere, Godari in the southern district of Rayagada received 9 cm of rain while the coastal town of Puri had 7 cm, he said.
The heavy downpour resulted in water logging affecting vehicular movement. State government offices in rain-hit regions reported thin attendances.
Similarly, children faced problems in reaching their school at several places. Schools and colleges also witnessed sparse attendance.
The state relief commissioner’s office here said they have not received any report of death or loss to government and private property in the rains but, according to unconfirmed reports in local newspapers, at least seven persons had died Friday in lightning strikes across the state.
According to eyewitnesses, over a dozen houses and shops were damaged at Chandrabhaga, near the famous Konarak temple in Puri district after high speed winds struck for about five minutes Friday night.