Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), Sept 5: Odisha has reported 1,103 deaths due to lightning strikes over the past five years, making it the highest in the country, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari informed the state Assembly on Thursday.
He noted that Sundargarh, Keonjhar, and Balasore districts have experienced the most lightning-related fatalities, particularly during thunderstorms associated with pre-monsoon and monsoon rains. The minister pointed out that regions with significant mineral deposits often report higher numbers of lightning incidents.
In the previous month alone, Odisha recorded 15 lightning deaths over a span of two days.
Minister Pujari attributed some of these fatalities to a lack of awareness, as people often seek shelter under trees during storms, which increases their risk of being struck by lightning. He acknowledged that predicting lightning strikes remains challenging, but ongoing scientific research, including studies by IITs, holds promise for future breakthroughs.
To address the issue, the government is planting palm trees as a protective measure. The Revenue Department has allocated Rs 7 crore to the Forest Department for this initiative.
