Published on September 4, 2023
Odisha, a state in eastern India, was hit by a relentless onslaught of lightning strikes on Saturday evening, resulting in a tragic loss of life and numerous injuries. Within a span of just two hours, an astonishing 61,000 lightning strikes were recorded across the state, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
The capital city of Bhubaneswar was one of the hardest-hit areas, with reports of the highest number of lightning strikes. However, the impact of the storm extended far beyond the city limits. Fatalities have been reported from various parts of the state, including Khurda district, where four lives were lost, and Bolangir, where two people succumbed to the powerful lightning. Additionally, one fatality each was reported from Angul, Baudh, Gajapati, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, and Dhenkanal districts.
Tragically, 12 individuals have lost their lives in these devastating lightning strikes, while 14 others have sustained injuries of varying degrees of severity. The injured have been rushed to local hospitals for medical treatment, where efforts are underway to stabilize their condition.
The lightning storm, which began in the late afternoon and continued into the evening, caused widespread panic among residents. The sudden and relentless nature of the strikes caught many off guard. In addition to the loss of life, there have been reports of damage to property, including houses and infrastructure, as a result of the intense electrical activity.
Local authorities, including the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), are working tirelessly to assess the extent of the damage and provide assistance to those affected. Relief and rescue operations are underway to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected individuals and communities.
The Chief Minister of Odisha, in a statement, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and directed all concerned departments to expedite relief and rehabilitation efforts. He also urged citizens to exercise caution during such adverse weather conditions and stay indoors when lightning storms are forecasted.
The exact cause of such an unusually high number of lightning strikes in such a short span of time is yet to be determined, and meteorological experts are closely monitoring the situation. Lightning storms are not uncommon in this region during the monsoon season, but the scale and intensity of this particular event have raised concerns.
As Odisha grapples with the aftermath of this devastating lightning storm, the state government, along with various relief agencies, is focused on providing immediate assistance to those affected and ensuring that necessary measures are taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. The state stands united in its resolve to overcome this tragedy and extend support to the affected families.
Written by Rajat Raj News Article Writer and Social Media Manager
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