1,462 deaths due to lightning in 5 years: Odisha Minister

A total of 1,462 persons died due to lightning in a span of five years in Odisha and an average of 292 persons die of bolt every year in the state, the Assembly was informed today.
As per reports received from the districts, 1,462 persons died due to lightning in a span of five years ending March 15, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Bijayshree Routray said while replying a question.
One person from Jharsuguda district has become physically handicapped due to the lightning, he said.
Routray said of the 1,462 lightning death cases, the family members of 1,279 victims have so far given ex-gratia while remaining ones will get the amount soon.

In five years, Mayurbhanj district claimed the highest lightning toll of 153 while the lowest of 11 was reported from Boudh and Gajapati districts.
Other districts with high death tolls during the period are Ganjam and Sundergarh (both 95), Jajpur (94), Dhenkanal (93) and Keonjhar (86), Routray said.