Tragic Lightning Strikes Claim Six Lives in Odisha

At least six individuals lost their lives while five others were injured in lightning strikes across four districts in Odisha. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has pledged ex-gratia payments for the victims' families and has assured that the state government will cover medical expenses for the injured.

At least six lives were tragically cut short due to lightning strikes across four districts in Odisha on Wednesday, as confirmed by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO).

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has directed officials to provide an ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased individual. This follows reports that two people each died in the Bhadrak and Balasore districts, with two others injured in Bhadrak.

One fatality each was also reported in the Dhenkanal and Kendrapara districts. Additionally, three people suffered injuries in Sambalpur district during the same period, according to a police official. The Chief Minister has also expressed his wish for the swift recovery of the injured and has announced that the state government will cover their medical expenses.

(With inputs from agencies.)