Lightning Strikes Claim Nine Lives in Odisha, Prompting Weather Alerts

Bhubaneswar: At least nine individuals, including six women, lost their lives due to lightning strikes across various districts in Odisha on Friday, amid severe thunderstorms, according to state officials. Several others sustained injuries in these incidents, which occurred as turbulent weather swept through the region.

In Ganjam district, a tragic incident claimed the life of Om Prakash Pradhan, a seventh-grade student, struck by lightning in Barida village under Kabisuryanagar tehsil. Similarly, in Nayagarh district, three women perished in Khandapada due to a lightning strike. Khurda district reported the deaths of two women, while single fatalities were recorded in Jajpur and Bhadrak districts.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a red alert earlier that day, warning of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, hail, and strong winds reaching speeds of 60–70 kmph. The alert targeted districts such as Koraput, Cuttack, Khurda, Nayagarh, Jajpur, Balasore, and Ganjam, urging residents to take precautions.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed condolences and announced financial assistance of Rs. 4 lakh for the families of each deceased victim. He also ensured that those injured would receive free medical treatment, as stated in a post on X. Authorities have advised the public to remain indoors during such weather events to avoid further casualties.