Dumka/Giridih
At least 12 people were killed and more than 20 injured in separate lightning strike incidents across Dumka and Giridih districts of Jharkhand on Tuesday, as severe thunderstorms and heavy rain hit several parts of the state.
In Dumka’s Ramgarh block, three people, including a 20-year-old woman and two farmers, died in separate lightning strikes, while several others sustained injuries.
The worst incident occurred at Gidbanna village under Chhoti Ranbahiyar panchayat, where 20-year-old Altamuni Marandi was working in a paddy field with her family when lightning struck. She died on the spot. Her husband, Rajendra Murmu, and their four-year-old daughter suffered serious burn injuries. They were initially taken to Ramgarh Community Health Centre and later referred to Phulo-Jhano Medical College and Hospital in Dumka.
In Khudimerkho village under the same panchayat, 30-year-old Babulal Hembrom was struck while working in his field during heavy rain and died instantly.
Another farmer, 35-year-old Rohit Kunwar, was struck by lightning while working on his agricultural land at Dumarjor village under Kanji panchayat. He was taken to Ramgarh CHC, where doctors declared him brought dead.
Several others were injured in Dumka. Babita Devi and Chinta Devi sustained injuries in Aluwada village and are undergoing treatment at a private clinic. Two youths, Churka Tudu and Deoghariya Manjhi, suffered severe burns in Telondha village and were reported to be in critical condition.
Nine killed in Giridih
Giridih reported an even higher number of casualties, with nine people killed and 10 injured in separate lightning incidents across the district.
The most tragic incident took place at Devpahari under Deori police station limits, where four teenagers sitting near Gosain Ahar were struck by lightning. All four died, while another teenager sustained serious injuries. Three of the deceased belonged to the same family.
At Tilyadih village under Bansdih panchayat, Santosh Tiwari died after being struck by lightning while working in a field. Another person was injured.
Other fatalities were reported from different parts of the district. Poonam Devi of Patna village under Gawan police station, Hanush Miyan in Birni, Sameer Gid, a labourer from Latehar, in the Bagodar area, and Aarti Devi of Bagedih village under Jamua police station were among those killed.
Following the incidents, Jamua MLA Manju Kumari visited Devpahari and met the bereaved families. She expressed condolences and stressed the need for installing lightning arresters in villages to reduce the risk of casualties.
The back-to-back incidents have caused widespread grief and fear among villagers, particularly farmers working in fields during the ongoing agricultural season.
Authorities have urged residents to avoid open areas, agricultural fields and isolated locations during thunderstorms and heavy rain. Local residents have also sought immediate compensation and financial assistance for the affected families.
