Mayurbhanj: Two Farmers Killed In Lightning Strike

Baripada, Sep 10:Two farmers working on the field were killed when lightning struck in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district on Tuesday.

The deceased have been identified as Gobinda Mahanta (55) and Siba Hansda (30), residents of Dumapada village under Betanati police limits in Mayurbhanj district. The duo reportedly died on the spot.

According to sources, the incident occurred when the two farmers were working on the agricultural field near their village this afternoon.

Deaths due to lightning strikes have turned into a major cause of concern in Odisha.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, Suresh Pujari while speaking to media persons had recently said that the number of lightning deaths is much higher in Odisha in comparison to other states in the country.

Around 300 people die due to lightning strikes every year in the state.

Pujari had also stated that the state government will soon plant 20 lakh palm trees, known as lightning arresters, across the state in the first phase to save precious lives from thunderbolt.

The Minister asserted that the Mohan Majhi government is taking all the steps to bring the number of lightning deaths to zero in Odisha.