Paralakhemundi,(Tarini Prasad Panda): A Kalbaisakhi storm accompanied by heavy rain, gusty winds and lightning claimed the life of a farmer and left another person injured in two separate incidents in Gajapati district on Tuesday evening, highlighting the dangers posed by the pre-monsoon weather phenomenon.The deceased was identified as Narayan Sabar (54) of Ambajhiri village under Rampa panchayat in Gosani block. He was returning home after working in his agricultural field when lightning struck during the sudden storm. Villagers rescued him from the field and rushed him to the District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) at Paralakhemundi, where doctors declared him dead.
In another incident, Saranti Raita of Judur village under Paratada panchayat in Kashinagar block sustained serious injuries after being struck by lightning during the same storm. Local residents immediately shifted the injured person to the DHH at Paralakhemundi for treatment.
Hospital sources said Saranti responded well to treatment and is now in stable condition.
The Kalbaisakhi storm swept across several parts of the district on Wednesday evening, bringing intense rainfall, strong winds and lightning activity. Local authorities have advised people to remain indoors and avoid open fields during thunderstorms to prevent such tragedies.
