What Caused the Lightning Strikes that Killed 10 in Odisha?
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Synopsis
In a devastating incident in Odisha, 10 lives were lost due to lightning strikes caused by a nor'wester. This tragic event highlights the dangers of thunderstorms during this season. Discover the details behind this calamity and the impact on the affected communities.
Key Takeaways
- 10 fatalities reported due to lightning strikes.
- Nor'wester caused severe thunderstorms across Odisha.
- Majority of victims were taking shelter during the storm.
- Health conditions of some survivors remain critical.
- Lightning fatalities in Odisha have reached 1,075 from 2022 to 2024.
Bhubaneswar, May 17 (NationPress) Tragically, 10 individuals, including three minors, have reportedly lost their lives due to lightning strikes as the nor'wester swept through various districts in Odisha, according to official reports.
Details indicate that three individuals, including an elderly woman and her granddaughter, perished while five others were critically injured when lightning struck a hut where they sought refuge during the nor'wester in Paridiguda village of Koraput district on Friday afternoon.
The victims have been identified as Brudi Madinga and her granddaughter Kasa Madinga from Paridiguda, along with Ambika Kasi from the Kumbhariguda area of Koraput district.
The health condition of Brudi Madinga's husband, Hingu, who also suffered injuries from the storm, is reported to be critical.
In another incident, 32-year-old Dasa Jani from the Semiliguda block of Koraput district died after lightning struck while he was fishing in a river near his home.
Additionally, Chaityaram Majhi and his nephew Lalita Majhi were seriously injured when lightning struck in Benora village of the Umerkote block in Nabarangpur district. Locals rushed them to a nearby hospital, but Lalita unfortunately succumbed to her injuries en route.
Chaityaram is currently receiving treatment in a hospital in Umerkote block.
On the same day, lightning also claimed the lives of two minors playing outdoors in Budusahi village under the Jenapur police limits of Jajpur district.
A woman shopkeeper named Damayanti Mandal died, and four others were severely injured due to a thunderbolt in the area of Udayagiri Police Station in Gajapati district.
Sources indicate that three additional fatalities occurred due to lightning strikes, comprising two in Ganjam district and one in the Kamakhyanagar area of Dhenkanal district.
Throughout the day, numerous regions in the state experienced heavy rainfall, fierce winds, and lightning strikes attributed to the nor'wester.
According to available data, lightning strikes have resulted in the deaths of 1,075 people in the state between 2022 and 2024.
Point of View
It is imperative to acknowledge the tragic loss of lives due to natural calamities such as lightning strikes. This incident in Odisha underscores the urgent need for improved safety measures and awareness programs to protect vulnerable populations during severe weather events. Our commitment is to provide accurate information and support to the communities affected by this disaster.
NationPress
12/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people died in the lightning strikes in Odisha?
A total of 10 individuals, including three minors, lost their lives due to lightning strikes in various districts of Odisha.
What was the cause of the lightning strikes?
The lightning strikes were triggered by a nor'wester that hit several districts in Odisha, resulting in severe thunderstorms.
What areas were affected by the lightning strikes?
The lightning strikes affected multiple districts, including Koraput, Nabarangpur, Jajpur, Gajapati, Ganjam, and Dhenkanal.
What measures can be taken to prevent lightning-related incidents?
Public awareness campaigns, timely weather warnings, and infrastructure improvements are essential to mitigate lightning-related incidents.
How many fatalities have been reported due to lightning in Odisha in recent years?
Reports indicate that lightning strikes have claimed 1,075 lives in Odisha from 2022 to 2024.
