Bhubaneswar (OT Webdesk): A series of deadly lightning strikes have wreaked havoc across multiple districts in Odisha, claiming the lives of at least 10 individuals and leaving several others injured. The calamity unfolded amid severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall that hit regions such as Koraput, Ganjam, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Sundargarh, Bargarh, Gajapati, and Balasore.
The victims include children, farmers, and labourers, many of whom were caught off guard by the sudden onset of extreme weather. In Jajpur district, tragedy struck as two young boys, Tara Hembram (13) and Tukul Chatar (11), lost their lives when lightning hit their home while they were sitting on the veranda. Similarly, a woman in Dhenkanal and a youth in Mayurbhanj district succumbed to lightning injuries while carrying out their daily activities.
Apart from human casualties, the lightning also led to the deaths of several cattle, further impacting the livelihoods of many villagers. Reports suggest that emergency medical assistance was delayed in some regions, aggravating the situation for the injured.
The Odisha state government has expressed deep concern over the increasing frequency of such extreme weather events and urges citizens to exercise caution during storms. Authorities emphasise the importance of avoiding open fields, trees, and water bodies during lightning episodes.
Meteorologists predict more thunderstorms in the coming days. Residents are advised to stay updated on weather alerts and take necessary precautions. The government is also evaluating compensation measures for affected families while investigating the effectiveness of existing lightning protection systems.
As Odisha reels from this natural disaster, the focus remains on improving early warning systems and ensuring swift emergency response to mitigate future tragedies.
