Bolangir district has been experiencing intense lightning strikes due to nor’wester storms over the past few days. Today, two people lost their lives, and one was seriously injured due to lightning strikes in different parts of the district.
The tragic incidents occurred in Bagdogra village under Belpara police station and Tustapali village under Saintala police station.
- Gangadhar Dharua, a tractor driver from Saramuhan village, was struck by lightning while working in Bagdora village.
- Snehalata Budek, a resident of Tustapali village, was fatally struck while tending to her goats.
- Gauranga Dalpati sustained serious injuries and is undergoing treatment.
Police have registered cases of unnatural death and sent the bodies for post-mortem examination.
The Kalbaisakhi storm also caused widespread destruction in Patnagarh, where several houses were damaged, and crops were destroyed, severely affecting farmers.
Authorities are assessing the damage and planning relief measures for the affected families. Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has issued warnings about heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, urging residents to remain cautious.
