Rayagada: A woman died after being struck by lightning while she had gone to collect mangoes in a forest area in Rayagada district, officials said on Tuesday.
The deceased was identified as Mami Kandagiri of Kandh Jimidi village under Rayagada block.
According to reports, the incident occurred during a Kalabaisakhi storm that brought strong winds and lightning to the area. Mami had reportedly gone to a forest near Ramchandrapur village to collect mangoes when lightning struck her.
After being informed, personnel from Sheshkhala Police Station reached the spot and recovered the body. The body was later sent for postmortem examination to a hospital, police said.
Officials of the Revenue Department also visited the incident site and initiated necessary procedures.
Authorities said the Kalabaisakhi storm caused damage at several places in the area, with trees being uprooted and branches breaking due to strong winds.
On receiving information, personnel from the Rayagada Fire Services Department also reached the spot and carried out rescue-related operations.
Meanwhile, villagers demanded government assistance for the family of the deceased woman.
