At least nine people, including six women and two minors, tragically lost their lives following a series of lightning strikes across various districts in Odisha on Friday, May 16, 2025. The fatalities occurred amid severe thunderstorms sweeping through parts of the state.
Tragic Incident
The incidents were reported from Koraput, Jajpur, Ganjam, Dhenkanal, and Gajapati districts. In Koraput, three women from the same family- Brudhi Mandinga (60), her granddaughter Kasa Mandinga (18), and Ambika Kashi (35) died after lightning struck a makeshift shelter they had taken refuge in during a storm in Paridiguda village. A 65-year-old man, Hingu Mandinga, also sustained serious injuries in the same incident and is being treated at Lakshmipur Community Health Centre.
In Jajpur district, two boys- Tare Hembrum (15) and Tukulu Chattar (12) died after being struck by lightning while standing on the verandah of a house in Burusahi village, under Jenapur police station limits.
Ganjam district also reported two deaths. A 23-year-old woman was struck while collecting mangoes in the Belaguntha area, while a class 7 student, Om Prakash Pradhan, lost his life in Barida village of Kabisuryanagar tehsil.
In Dhenkanal, a woman identified as Surushi Bishwal (40) was killed by lightning in Kusumundia village under Dashipur panchayat. Meanwhile, in Gajapati district, another woman died while unloading bricks from a tractor trailer in Mohana area when lightning struck.
IMD’s Warning
Following these incidents, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red warning for thunderstorms with lightning, hail, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 60 to 70 kmph in several districts, including Koraput, Cuttack, Khurda, Nayagarh, Jajpur, Balasore, and Ganjam. The IMD urged residents to stay indoors and take all necessary precautions during such adverse weather conditions.
The state government has assured that financial assistance will be extended to the families of the deceased as per disaster relief norms.
