Lightning Strikes in Odisha Claim Multiple Lives Amid Heavy Rainfall

At least six people were killed and four injured in Odisha due to lightning strikes. Fatalities occurred in Kendrapara, Balasore, Jajpur, Sonepur, and Bhadrak districts. The state government has initiated planting palm trees to mitigate the damage. Compensation is being provided to victims' families.

Six people lost their lives and four others were injured on Sunday following lightning strikes at various locations in Odisha, according to police reports.

Two fatalities were reported in Kendrapara district when individuals were struck while working in agricultural fields.

An 18-year-old man was killed and four women from the same family were injured in Balasore district, police said. These incidents occurred while the victims were working in paddy fields. Despite being rushed to Soro health centre, one woman was declared dead upon arrival.

Additional deaths were reported in Jajpur, Sonepur, and Bhadrak districts, though the identities of the deceased are yet to be confirmed, a police officer noted. Odisha's Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari revealed an increasing trend in lightning-related fatalities, with the state averaging 300 deaths annually. As a preventive measure, the government is planting 20 lakh palm trees across Odisha.

Notably, nine people died in similar incidents across six districts on Saturday. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has mandated Rs 4 lakh compensation for each victim's family. The India Meteorological Department warned of continued heavy rainfall and issued a yellow warning for several districts over the next two days.