Lightning claims two women’s lives in Lohardaga, eight Injured

Binod Prasad

Lohardaga

Heavy rain accompanied by lightning reportedly claimed the lives of two women and left eight others seriously injured in separate incidents across Lohardaga district on Friday.

According to information received, 48-year-old Ghurti Oraon, a resident of Salgi Kolpara village under Kudu police station, was working in an agricultural field when the weather suddenly deteriorated. She was reportedly struck by lightning and died on the spot. The tragic incident left her family and the entire village in deep mourning.

In another incident, 40-year-old Asida Khatun of Charhu village under Bagdu police station had reportedly gone out to graze goats when lightning struck during heavy rainfall. Villagers rushed to her aid, but she had already succumbed to her injuries. Officials said that Karma Oraon, Sunil Oraon, Anil Oraon, Somnath Oraon, Sonmati Devi, Neetu Kumari, Mahendra Munda and Saraswati Devi sustained burn injuries in the lightning strikes. They were shifted to Lohardaga Sadar Hospital with the help of ambulances and local residents, where they are currently undergoing treatment under medical supervision. Hospital sources stated that the arrival of several injured persons at the same time created a brief rush in the emergency ward. However, doctors and healthcare staff promptly began treatment for all the victims. The district administration appealed to residents to avoid open fields, trees and elevated places during thunderstorms and heavy rainfall, and advised them to stay in safe shelters. The Meteorological Department has also cautioned people about the possibility of further lightning and adverse weather conditions.