15 people killed in lightning strikes in Odisha over 2 days; ₹4 lakh announced
The death toll from lightning strikes in the state has reached 15 over the past two days, including nine fatalities reported on Saturday from various parts of Odisha.
Arpit Pattnaik
On Sunday, six people died in separate districts of Odisha due to lightning strikes, bringing the death toll to 15 over the past two days. Nine deaths were reported on Saturday from various parts of the state. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed grief over the tragic deaths and offered condolences to the bereaved families. The Chief Minister's Office reported that two people died in Kendrapara district, with one fatality each in Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, and Subarnapur on Sunday. Additionally, several others sustained injuries from the lightning strikes. CM Majhi announced a compensation of ₹4 lakh for the families of the deceased and assured that the state government would cover the medical expenses of the injured individuals.
Furthermore, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari informed the media that district administrations are being regularly updated on weather-related issues. He expressed concern over the high number of lightning-related deaths in Odisha, citing reasons such as inadequate earthing systems in buildings, including schools and residential homes. Minister Pujari mentioned that his department is collaborating with the School and Mass Education Department to address the absence of earthing systems in many schools.
Additionally, Minister Pujari revealed plans to plant 20 lakh palm trees, known as 'lightning arresters', across the state to reduce lightning-related casualties. The minister emphasized the government's commitment to taking comprehensive measures to eliminate lightning-related deaths in Odisha.
