Odisha's Battle Against Lightning: A Natural Force and Human Response

Lightning strikes in Odisha have resulted in 1,418 deaths over the last five years. The state government is tackling the crisis with initiatives like planting palm trees to save lives. The district of Mayurbhanj reported the highest number of fatalities, while Boudh recorded the lowest.

Lightning has emerged as a fatal natural hazard in Odisha, claiming 1,418 lives in the past five years, as reported by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari in the Assembly.

The statistics reveal alarming fatalities each year, with Mayurbhanj district recording the highest number of deaths, followed by districts like Balasore, Ganjam, and Keonjhar.

In response, the state is actively implementing measures to mitigate damage, including a Rs 7.59 crore project for planting palm trees that act as natural conductors, alongside compensatory financial support for affected families.

(With inputs from agencies.)