India News : At least 13 people have lost their lives in lightning strikes over the past 24 hours in three districts of West Bengal. According to the State Disaster Management Authority, the Bankura district reported 7 deaths, while Purba Bardhaman recorded 5, and Paschim Medinipur saw 1 fatality.
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In Bankura’s Khiri village under the Kotulpur police station, Jiaul Haque Molla was struck by lightning while working in a field. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where doctors declared him dead. In Patrasayer, Jeevan Ghosh suffered severe burns and was referred to multiple hospitals, ultimately succumbing to his injuries at the Bankura Sammilani Medical College.
In other parts of Bankura, Narayan Sawar (Onda), Sheikh Ismail (Indas), and Uttam Bhuiya (Joypur) also died due to lightning. Another person in Indas sustained injuries.
In Purba Bardhaman, Sanatan Patra, a 60-year-old farmer from Madhabdihi, died after lightning struck him while he was working in a field. Similarly, Sanjay Hebraram, a 28-year-old resident of Bhedia village in Ausgram police station area, also lost his life.
In Paschim Medinipur, Laxmikanta Pan (42) from Chandrakona area died after being hit by lightning.
Following these incidents, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a lightning and thunderstorm warning for several districts in South Bengal until July 27. The state administration has urged residents to remain indoors during storms and avoid open spaces or shelter under trees during inclement weather.
District authorities have activated disaster control measures and instructed local administrations to stay on alert. Control rooms have been set up, and emergency response teams are on standby.
These unfortunate events have created panic in rural areas, with residents expressing grief and urging better early-warning systems and shelter provisions in lightning-prone zones.
