Bhubaneswar: After ten lightning deaths on Saturday, six more people lost their lives to nature’s fury in Odisha on Sunday prompting the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) to issue a list of do’s and don’ts for people to protect themselves from lightning strikes.
The six deaths were reported from Kendrapara, Balasore, Jajpur, Subarnapur, and Bhadrak.
While two persons died in Basudebpur and Gara villages under Pattamundi in Kendrapara district, another villager died in Soor Wada village in Balasore and four others were injured.
A farmer died due to a lightning strike in Dharam Chaya Bhabanipur in Jajpur district, and another farmer died in Thileimal in the Binika area in the Subarnapur district. The sixth death was reported from Bhandaripokhri Nerda village in Bhadrak district.
Odisha is among the worst-affected states by lightning strikes during the pre-monsoon and monsoon periods in the country.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed his grief over the death of nine people in lightning strikes and announced ex gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh each to the kin of the deceased. He wished speedy recovery to the injured and said that the state government will bear their medical expenses.
Given the loss of several lives due to lightning strikes in the state, the office of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) on Sunday issued an advisory listing precautionary measures to be adopted by the people during lightning strike incidents.
It said if someone is outside the house during a lightning strike, it would be appropriate to bend and remain with the support of knees. People have been advised against lying on the ground during lightning strikes.
