456 persons killed in lightning during last year in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: As many as 456 persons were killed in lightning strikes during last financial year 2017-18 in Odisha, informed an official on Thursday.

Deputy Special Relief Commissioner Prabhat Mohapatra said reports were sought from all the district Collectors on the damages caused due to the Kalabaisakhi (nor’wester).

As many 456 persons were killed in lightning strikes in the state in 2017-18, said Mohapatra.

Lightning has become a major disaster in Odisha that claims more than 400 human lives on an average per year.

On crop damage, the officer said that reports were received from six districts only.

“Crops in Bargarh, Jajpur, Sonepur, Dhenkanal, Balasore and Mayurbhanj districts were affected by untimely rain and thunderstorm. Farmers in Bargarh district were worst affected,” said the Deputy SRC.