A series of devastating lightning strikes during nor’wester storms on Friday claimed the lives of about 13 people and injured several others across multiple districts in Odisha, India.
The sudden and severe weather event, characterised by heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, left families grieving and communities grappling with the aftermath.
The incidents, reported in districts including Koraput, Ganjam, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Sundargarh, Bargarh, Gajapati, Balasore, and Mayurbhanj, underscore the deadly risks posed by lightning during monsoon-like storms in the region.
Widespread Tragedy Across Odisha
In Koraput district, three members of a family—a father, daughter, and grandmother—lost their lives in Pardiguda village, Lakshmipur block, while sleeping in a thatched house. The bodies were sent to a local health centre, but further details remain unavailable at the time of reporting.
In Ganjam district, two fatalities were reported. Rita Goud, a 31-year-old unmarried woman from Kebri Berhampur village under Belguntha police station, was struck by lightning at 2:20 PM while seeking shelter under a cashew tree in a mango and cashew plantation. Despite being rushed to Bhanjanagar Hospital by locals, she was declared dead on arrival.
Dhenkanal district saw two human deaths and the loss of multiple livestock across areas under Mahabirod, Parjang, and Gandia police stations. Surushi Biswal, a woman from Kusumundia village, was killed by lightning while inside her home and was pronounced dead at Parjang Medical. In a separate incident, Sanatan Diani, a 45-year-old from Kabara village, Bilbahal, was struck and killed at 5 PM while returning home from work during the storm. Additionally, four cows owned by Mansingh Laguri, one by Mahendra Laguri, and one by Jay Bengara were killed in Mundiargadi Sahi, Ambapalas village, Parjang.
In Jajpur district, a heart-wrenching incident claimed the lives of two young boys, Tara Hembram (13) and Tukul Chatar (11), in Burusahi village, Dharmashala block. The boys were sitting on their house’s verandah when lightning struck during heavy rain. The storm also caused tree branches to break and electric poles to collapse in the area. An ambulance delay was reported, but the Sachetan Naikkar Manch intervened, sending an ambulance from Durbandh Health Centre to transport the boys to Dharmashala CHC, where they were declared dead.
Sundargarh district reported the death of Sahadev Banjara, a 28-year-old labourer from Chhattisgarh, who was struck by lightning while working at a brick kiln near Ghogar temple in Bhelwadihi panchayat, Rajgangpur block. His younger brother, Rahul Banjara (23), was injured in the same incident.
In Bargarh district, Ranjit Dharua, an 8-year-old boy from Poorena village, Paikamal block, was killed, and Sanu alias Pankaj Dansana (11) was seriously injured by a lightning strike.
In Gajapati district, Damayanti Mandal (38) died in Kankata village, Udayagiri police station, with five others injured. Two additional individuals, Subrati Bardhan and Sanjay Bardhan, were seriously injured in Mahendragarh village while returning to a mango plantation.
Balasore district recorded one death, though specific details were not provided. In Mayurbhanj district, Chunaram Kisco (31) from Kuting village, Udla police station, was killed by lightning while returning from work at the Dari Pokhari guard office to a relative’s residence in Balimundli. He was pronounced dead at Soro hospital.
The Impact of Nor-Wester Storms
The nor’wester storms, known for their sudden onset and destructive potential, brought not only lightning but also heavy rain, leading to fallen trees and damaged infrastructure. The incidents highlight the vulnerability of rural communities, where many victims were either working outdoors or seeking shelter in unsafe locations, such as under trees or in poorly constructed structures. The loss of livestock in Dhenkanal further compounds the economic toll on affected families.
Emergency response challenges were evident, particularly in Jajpur, where delays in ambulance services were reported. Community intervention was critical in ensuring medical attention, though it was too late to save the victims in many cases.
Calls for Awareness and Safety Measures
Lightning strikes are a recurring hazard in Odisha, particularly during the pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons. Experts urge increased public awareness about lightning safety, such as avoiding open fields, tall trees, and metal objects during storms.
As Odisha mourns the loss of lives, the incidents serve as a stark reminder of the need for improved weather forecasting, rapid emergency response systems, and infrastructure to protect vulnerable populations from nature’s unpredictable fury.
