Tragic Lightning Strikes Claim Lives in Odisha

At least six people died, and four were injured due to lightning strikes across Odisha on Sunday. The state's Chief Minister announced ex gratia payments and pledged to cover medical costs for the injured. The Odisha government plans to plant 20 lakh palm trees as a preventive measure against lightning fatalities.

At least six people were killed and four others injured on Sunday due to lightning strikes at various locations in Odisha, according to the police.

In Kendrapara district, two individuals were struck by lightning while working in agricultural fields. Another lightning strike in Balasore district left an 18-year-old man dead and four others injured, who were all from the same family and working in a paddy field at the time.

Deaths from lightning strikes were also reported in Jajpur, Sonepur, and Bhadrak districts, although the identities of those deceased remain unconfirmed. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep sorrow over the fatalities and directed officials to provide Rs. 4 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased. He also promised that the government would cover the medical costs for the injured. As a preventive measure, Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari announced that the state would plant 20 lakh palm trees, which can safely absorb lightning. On a yearly basis, lightning claims around 300 lives in Odisha.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department's regional center in Bhubaneswar has forecast heavy rains to continue in certain regions of the state over the next two days, issuing a yellow warning for multiple districts.

(With inputs from agencies.)