Patnagarh/Rourkela/Nuapada: At least five persons, including two minors, were killed in separate incidents of lightning strikes in Balangir, Sundargarh and Nuapada districts on Monday.
Two minors boys, identified as Purnananda Bhoi (10) and Iswar Boa (13), died after being struck by thunderbolt at Odinga village under Belpada police limits in Balangir district. The duo had gone to a forested area to pluck mangoes when the mishap occurred.
Villagers later recovered their half-charred bodies were recovered from the spot.
Similarly, a youth was killed in lightning strike at Bankel village of Titlagarh in the same district.
The third incident was reported from Sundargarh district, where a woman died after being hit by lightning at Kalsiria village. She was outdoors when the Nor’wester-triggered rain and lightning accompanied by heavy wind swept the area.
In another incident, a man was killed at Sanamaheswar village under Kharial police limits in Nuapada district due to lightning strike.
The Met department has issued Nor’wester thunderstorm warning for Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Dhenkanal and Kendrapara districts. People have been asked to stay alert till 6.30 pm. Wind speeds of 50-60 kmph are expected.
