Natural Calamity / Lightning Strikes Kill Farmers, Teacher, and Child across Odisha

Bhubaneswar, Aug 3: Odisha witnessed a series of tragic lightning strikes over the weekend, leaving several dead and many injured across Kendujhar, Jharsuguda, Mayurbhanj, Jajpur, and Subarnapur districts.

The incidents have once again highlighted the vulnerability of farmers and rural communities to sudden weather hazards during the monsoon season.

In Ghasipura of Kendujhar district, one person was killed and two critically injured when lightning struck while they were working in the fields.

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The deceased was identified as Ramakanta Behera of Khalana village under Ramachandrapur police station. Among the injured are Bhagaban Raut of Khalana village and Ankita Patra of Bamphidi village.

They were initially admitted to Saikula Community Health Centre, but Bhagaban Raut was later shifted to Anandpur Sub-Divisional Hospital due to his critical condition.

In Jharsuguda district, a school teacher lost his life after being struck by lightning. The deceased, Ramesh Patel of Sahaspur village, was working near a tree inside Babuchhipidihi Ashram School premises in Laikera block when the incident occurred.

Despite being rushed to Mudrajore Community Health Centre and later to Jharsuguda District Headquarters Hospital, doctors declared him dead. His sudden demise has cast a pall of grief over the school and local community.

In Mayurbhanj district, an 11-year-old boy, Rahul Dehuri of Balidiha village under Khunta police station, died after lightning struck while he was sitting under a tree with friends. He was rushed to Khunta Medical Centre but was declared dead on arrival, leaving the village in mourning.

On Sunday evening, lightning strikes in Jajpur’s Barachana block and Kendujhar’s Anandpur area claimed three farmers’ lives and injured four others.

In Barachana, one person died in Chanditala Dalit Sahi, while four others sustained injuries. Another farmer was killed in Olara village under Bandala panchayat. The injured were shifted to SCB Medical College in Cuttack. Farmers Chandan Malik and Jaga Tiria were among those who lost their lives.

In Anandpur, Chaitanya Sahu of Kainipura village died after being struck while working in his field. He was rushed to Anandpur Medical Centre but succumbed to his injuries.

Similarly, in Subarnapur district, a farmer, Ganga Bag of Khurdiabahala village under Binika police station, died on Saturday after being struck by lightning while working in his paddy field.

These incidents underline the deadly impact of lightning strikes in Odisha, which often occur during peak monsoon activity. Farmers and outdoor workers remain the most vulnerable.