In a tragic series of incidents, nine people lost their lives, and 12 others were injured in lightning strikes across various districts in Odisha on Saturday, according to local police reports.
The Chief Minister’s Office issued a statement confirming the fatalities, with two deaths each occurring in Mayurbhanj, Balasore, and Bhadrak districts, while Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, and Ganjam districts each reported one death. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incidents and announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹4 lakh to the families of each of the deceased.
Chief Minister Majhi also extended his wishes for a speedy recovery to those injured in the lightning strikes and assured that they would receive free medical treatment.
In a separate incident in Bargarh district, 12 people sustained injuries from a lightning strike while working in a field near Munupali village in the Barpali block. Four of the injured are reported to be in critical condition and have been admitted to a local hospital for treatment.
