Lightning strikes claim 10 lives in Odisha

At least 10 persons were killed in lightning strikes in six districts of Odisha, which witnessed heavy rainfall on Saturday. As many as 20 persons were reportedly lucky to have escaped death by a whisker.

Lightning strike deaths were reported from the districts of Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Ganjam, Keonjhar and Dhenkanal.

As per reports, lightning struck a couple while they were working in their farmland at Singarapara village under Baisinga Police Station in the Mayurbhanj district and both of them died on the spot.

While a person at Sahupada village under Agarapada Police Station in Bhadrak district died in lightning strike, another person was critically injured. The deceased has been identified as Amar Sethi. 

At least two women and a child were critically injured in a lightning strike at Gudikansa village under Telkoi block in Keonjhar district.

Similarly, more than 12 persons were injured in lightning at Munupali village under Barpali block of Bargarh district.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi expressed grief and extended condolences to the family of the deceased. He announced a compensation amount of Rs 4 lakh each for the family of the deceased. The Chief Minister further announced that the government will bear the treatment costs of all the injured persons.