16 killed, several injured in Odisha lightning strikes

BHUBANESWAR: At least 16 peo-ple were killed and a dozen oth-ers were injured in separate incidents of lightning strikes that wreaked havoc across Odi-sha on Friday, officials sald on Saturday.

The Odisha state disaster management authority (SDMA) said that of the 16 deceased, four were from Koraput district; three from Ganjam; two each from Nabarangpur, Jajpur and Dhenkanal districts; and one each from Rayagada, Cuttack and Mayurbhanj districts.

"We have received reports of 16 deaths due to lightning strikes across the state on Fri-day. Our officials would verify the deaths and accordingly ex gratia compensation would be given," said state revenue and disaster management minister Suresh Pujari.

According to the India Mete orological Department (IMD), thunderstorms accompanied with squally/gusty winds with speeds of up to 60-90 kmph was reported over parts of Odisha in the 24 hours ending at 8.30am on May 17. The Met department has forecast thunderstorms with lightning to occur at Mayurbhanj, Keonjhargarh, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bar-garh, Bolangir, Koraput, Rayag-ada, and Gajapat districts on Sunday.

Paradiguda village of Koraput district. The deceased were Identified as Budri Mandinga (60), her granddaughter Kasa Mandinga (16), and Ambika Kashi (35).

Similarly, Das Jani (32) from Khalpadi village in Semiliguda block of the district died after he was struck by lightning while fishing near Lenjiguda village, said Pottangi legislator Ram Chandra Kadam.

In Ganjam. 13-year-old Omprakash Pradhan died after he was struck by lightning while playing cricket in a playground in Barida village, said Kabisury anagar MLA Pratap Chandra Nayak. "Rita Goud (30) from Kebiri Brahmapur was struck by lightning while standing at a mango orchard." said Nayak.

Similarly, two boys, identified as Tara Hembram (9) and Jak hun Chatar (12), lost their lives during a lightning strike in Jaj pur district. The incident took place on Friday afternoon in Burusahi village when they were playing in a field.