The Odisha authorities stated that 1,621 individuals have been killed on account of lightning strikes within the state within the final 4 years. In a written reply to the meeting, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Sudam Marandi stated on Friday the deaths occurred since 2017-18 and the following of the kin of the deceased individuals have been paid compensation of as much as Rs 4 lakh.

Mayurbhanj district recorded the utmost lightning deaths at 161, adopted by Ganjam (123), Keonjhar (119) and Balasore (109). Seventy-three individuals have been injured in lightning strikes within the final 4 years. Most of the accidents have been reported from the Malkangiri district the place 12 individuals have been wounded, Marandi stated.

On the measures taken to stop deaths on account of lightning strikes, the minister stated the federal government has signed an settlement with Earth Networks. Eight lightning detection sensors have been arrange in Keonjhar, Bolangir, Berhampur, Jeypore, Rourkela, Bhubaneswar and Panikoili so that folks may very well be warned, he stated.