Odisha Latest News / 6,578 Died Due To Lightning, Drowning, Snakebites In Odisha Over Two Years: Minister
·2 weeks ago·2 min read
Key Points
Odisha recorded 6,578 deaths due to lightning, drowning, and snakebites over 2023-25, with drowning accounting for 3,860 fatalities.
Bhubaneswar, Mar 19: A total of 6,578 people died due to lightning, drowning and snakebites across Odisha over the last two financial years, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari informed the Assembly on Thursday.
Replying to a question from MLA Chakramani Kanhar, the minister said 3,439 deaths were reported in 2023–24 and 3,139 in 2024–25.
Drowning Accounts for Majority of Deaths
Of the total fatalities, 3,860 people died due to drowning in various water bodies, making it the leading cause.
Lightning strikes claimed 600 lives, while 2,118 people died due to snakebites, Pujari said.
More than 200 drowning deaths were reported from districts including Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Ganjam and Cuttack during the period.
Compensation Paid Through SDRF
The Odisha government provides Rs 4 lakh as compensation to the next of kin of each deceased in cases of lightning, drowning and snakebite deaths through the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) via direct benefit transfer.
During the two financial years, the state disbursed a total of Rs 263.12 crore as ex gratia to the families of the deceased, the minister said.
Also Read: Dead Snake Found In Prasad, 40 Hospitalised
Snakebite, Lightning Deaths Concentrated in Key Districts
The highest number of snakebite deaths was reported from Balasore, Cuttack, Ganjam and Keonjhar districts, according to the data presented in the House.
Mayurbhanj district recorded the highest number of lightning-related deaths, with 119 fatalities over the two years.
State-Specific Disaster Categories in Place
In 2015, the Odisha government had classified heatwave, lightning, boat capsize, tornado, heavy rain, drowning, snakebite and fire as state-specific disasters.
This allows financial assistance to be provided to victims from the SDRF.
Replying to a question from MLA Chakramani Kanhar, the minister said 3,439 deaths were reported in 2023–24 and 3,139 in 2024–25.
Drowning Accounts for Majority of Deaths
Of the total fatalities, 3,860 people died due to drowning in various water bodies, making it the leading cause.
Lightning strikes claimed 600 lives, while 2,118 people died due to snakebites, Pujari said.
More than 200 drowning deaths were reported from districts including Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Ganjam and Cuttack during the period.
Compensation Paid Through SDRF
The Odisha government provides Rs 4 lakh as compensation to the next of kin of each deceased in cases of lightning, drowning and snakebite deaths through the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) via direct benefit transfer.
During the two financial years, the state disbursed a total of Rs 263.12 crore as ex gratia to the families of the deceased, the minister said.
Also Read: Dead Snake Found In Prasad, 40 Hospitalised
Snakebite, Lightning Deaths Concentrated in Key Districts
The highest number of snakebite deaths was reported from Balasore, Cuttack, Ganjam and Keonjhar districts, according to the data presented in the House.
Mayurbhanj district recorded the highest number of lightning-related deaths, with 119 fatalities over the two years.
State-Specific Disaster Categories in Place
In 2015, the Odisha government had classified heatwave, lightning, boat capsize, tornado, heavy rain, drowning, snakebite and fire as state-specific disasters.
This allows financial assistance to be provided to victims from the SDRF.
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