Odisha's Battle Against Deadly Lightning Strikes: A Grim Five-Year Report

Odisha reported 1,625 fatalities due to lightning strikes over the past five years, according to State Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari. The state recorded the highest number of such fatalities in India. Rs 4 lakh compensation has been provided to victims' families, and various preventive measures are being implemented.

Odisha has witnessed 1,625 deaths due to lightning strikes in the last five years, as revealed by State Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari in a recent Assembly session. This alarming figure underscores the state's struggle with lightning-related fatalities, which are the highest in the country.

The minister disclosed that from the financial year 2019-20 to 2023-24, deaths related to lightning strikes were consistently high, with maximum casualties reported in tribal-dominated Mayurbhanj district. The State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) has been providing an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh to families who have lost members to these incidents.

Efforts to mitigate these tragic deaths include the plantation of palm trees and the use of the Satark mobile app for real-time lightning warnings. Additionally, the state government is focusing on public awareness campaigns and technical collaborations to improve lightning strike management.

(With inputs from agencies.)