Lightning claims over 175 lives in Odisha this year

Bhubaneswar: Over 175 people have died in lightning strikes this year in Odisha so far, informed Special Relief Commissioner (SRC).

The lightning strikes have caused more deaths in the state. More than 200 people had died in the lightning in 2018. This year, it has claimed over 175 lives so far, SRC Pradip Jena said.

Attending a workshop in Bhubaneswar yesterday, the senior official said that extensive preparedness is necessary to face such natural disaster.

The houses and official buildings need to have earthing facility to prevent lightning related casualties. However, earthing is yet to be installed at all the buildings in the state, Jena said.

Speaking at the event, he stressed on the effect of climate change on human lives.

Odisha is facing adverse situation due to climate change. The natural disasters like cyclone, flood and drought caused by climate change are claiming hundreds of live every year.

Even as the state government has undertaken many initiatives to face the natural disasters, the lightning has emerged as the major calamity in recent past years.