Lightning strikes claim 1,075 lives in Odisha over three years

Bhubaneswar, Dec 5: In Odisha, lightning strikes have resulted in the deaths of at least 1,075 individuals over the past three years, according to information presented in the state Assembly on Thursday.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari provided these figures while responding to queries from lawmakers. He noted that the highest number of fatalities occurred in Mayurbhanj district, where 81 people lost their lives between 2022 and 2024, followed by Balasore with 68 deaths and Ganjam with 60.

The Minister's report detailed that there were 306 lightning-related deaths during the 2022-23 period, and 272 in the subsequent year. So far, 201 fatalities have been recorded in the current financial year. Ex-gratia payments have been issued to 77 families of the victims, with 124 cases still under review.

Since April 1, 2015, the state government has classified lightning as a specific disaster, offering Rs 4 lakh in ex-gratia assistance to the families of those who have died. However, Minister Pujari confirmed that there are currently no plans to revise the compensation amount as per the Odisha Relief Code.