Laikera: Continuous rainfall triggered by Cyclone Arnab over the past two days has caused damage to ripe paddy crops and property in Laikera block of Odisha’s Jharsuguda district, raising concerns among farmers ahead of the harvest season.

While standing paddy crops have been flattened across hundreds of acres of farmland in different panchayats, a cow shed collapsed and a large neem tree fell on a car, causing property damage.

According to reports, the cow shed belonging to Tokaraj Sahu in Naikbandhapali village under Sahaspur Gram Panchayat collapsed completely on Wednesday night due to persistent rainfall. Several cows and calves inside the shed narrowly escaped unharmed, averting a major mishap.

In another incident on Thursday, a massive neem tree standing in front of Laikera police station broke and fell, damaging a car belonging to advocate Rajat Naik.

The fallen tree blocked the road and became entangled with electric wires, disrupting traffic and electricity supply in the area for some time.

After receiving information, the Laikera Fire Services team reached the spot and cut the tree into pieces before clearing it from the road. Traffic movement was restored following the operation.

Meanwhile, the damage to standing paddy crops has emerged as a major concern for farmers across the block. With the crops ready for harvesting, the flattening of paddy plants due to continuous rain could affect both yield and grain quality.

Farmers fear that prolonged wet weather may increase their financial losses at a critical stage of the agricultural season. They have urged the authorities to assess the extent of crop damage and provide necessary assistance to affected cultivators.