Lightning Strikes Claimed 1,472 Human Lives In Odisha In Last 5 Years: Minister Informs Assembly

Bhubaneswar: As many as 1,472 people were killed in lightning strikes in different parts of Odisha in the last five years, the state Assembly was informed on Wednesday.

Replying to a question by Congress MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Sudam Marndi said that 145 people in the state were injured during the period due to lightning which was declared as a natural disaster by the State government on June 6, 2015.

As per the terms and conditions of the Disaster Relief fund, kin of lightning strike victims are provided with financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh each, the minister said.

This apart, financial assistance is also provided to the people who lose eyes or other organs in lightning incidents. People having 40% to 60% disabilities get Rs 74,000, while Rs 2.5 lakh is provided to those with more than 60% disabilities.

The government also provides Rs 16,000 to someone who undergoes treatment at a hospital for over a week after being struck by lightning. People undergoing treatment at any hospital for less than seven days are entitled to get Rs 5,400, the minister said.