Lightning claims three more lives in Odisha

Bhawanipatna: At least three persons including a woman were killed while four others were injured in lightning strikes in Kalahandi district on Thursday.

A man, identified as Rahas Bag, died after being hit by lightning while he was working in his paddy field at Balagaon village under Kalampur block in the district.

In a similar incident, a youth died while four others sustained injuries in lightning strike when they were working in a paddy field at Nuagaon village under the same Kalampur block, said sources.

The deceased has been identified as Abhimanyu Rout.

The injured are undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital and their condition is reportedly stable.

In yet another incident, Sanjukta Barik of Sirliguda village under Koksara block died after being hit by lightning while taking bath in a river.

Last week, as many as five persons including two minor boys were killed in separate incidents of lightning in Odisha.

Meanwhile, Odisha will soon launch an app that will send lightning alert- at least one hour before lightning strikes in a particular area- helping people move to safer places.