Lightning Strike Claims Farmer’s Life in Malkangiri

Malkangiri, September 12: A devastating lightning strike claimed the life of a 45-year-old farmer, Unga Kartami, in Talapadar village under Chalanguda Gram Panchayat of Malkangiri Sadar Block.

The incident occurred while Unga was working in his field alongside his wife, Gangi and son Deba, when a sudden thunderstorm swept through the region.

Seeking shelter from the downpour, the family took refuge in a nearby hut. Tragically, a bolt of lightning struck the shelter, killing Unga instantly. His wife and son sustained minor injuries.

Local villagers rushed to the scene and recovered the body, which was later sent for a post-mortem by the Malkangiri police. Authorities have registered a case and are urging residents to exercise caution during adverse weather conditions, especially avoiding open fields during thunderstorms.

The incident has cast a pall of grief over the village, highlighting the vulnerability of rural communities to extreme weather events.