Watch: Massive Odisha tornado rips through Mayurbhanj, damages 100+ houses; 2 dead

At least two people were killed and 17 others injured after a nor’wester tornado struck several villages near Karanjia in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district on Sunday afternoon, officials said. The powerful storm also damaged more than 100 houses and caused large-scale destruction in the area, Hindustan Times reported.

A powerful Nor’wester tornado struck Karanjia in Mayurbhanj, Odisha.

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Over 100 houses damaged, more than 25 people injured, and two lives tragically lost in the sudden fury. Prayers for the affected families. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/kIsspP8mxW — Manas Muduli (@manas_muduli) March 15, 2026

The tornado hit villages located along National Highway-220 at around 4 pm and continued for nearly 30 minutes. Kia and Kankada villages in Karanjia block were among the worst affected. Nearby villages such as Panapasi and Dumuria also suffered damage.

According to officials quoted by HT, strong winds uprooted trees and electricity poles, tore off rooftops of houses, and pushed vehicles off the road. In one incident, an autorickshaw was lifted by the wind and thrown into a nearby pond. Several motorcycles were also blown off the road due to the intense winds.

One house was completely destroyed, while many others suffered heavy damage. The injured people were rescued and taken to Karanjia Sub-Divisional Hospital for treatment. Authorities said they are still assessing the number of people who suffered serious injuries.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh for the families of each of the deceased from the State Disaster Response Fund. Mayurbhanj District Collector Hemakanta Soy confirmed the announcement, as reported by HT.

Karanjia Sub-Collector Panchpir Kasturi Panda visited the hospital and the affected villages to review relief work. Fire services teams cleared the debris and helped residents recover from the damage.

Tornadoes are uncommon in India but are sometimes reported in eastern states during the pre-monsoon season.