At least 40 people killed by lightning strikes in India

(Baonghean.vn) - At least 40 people were killed and 35 others injured by lightning strikes in various locations in 12 districts of the Indian state of Odisha on July 30.

Lightning has become one of the most dangerous natural disasters causing great loss of life in India. Photo: zeenews.india.com.

Casualties were reported from Bhadrak, Balasore, Khurda, Mayurbhanj, Jajpur, Cuttack, Kendrapara, Keonjhar, Nayagarh, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda and Puri districts.

Official sources said this is the highest number of deaths in one day this year in India, since June 2 when 18 people were killed and 15 others injured by lightning strikes.

Bhadrak and Balasore districts recorded the highest number of deaths with 8 and 7 cases respectively, followed by Khurda with 4 cases, Cuttack with 4 cases, Jajpur with 3 cases and Nayagarh with 2 cases.

Most of the cases have been reported from northern and coastal districts, which are still experiencing days of heavy rain.

Lightning has become one of India's biggest and deadliest natural disasters, with statistics showing that more than 300 people have died due to lightning strikes every year since 2011.

Sharing the loss with the families of those who lost their loved ones, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik directed the special relief department to provide financial assistance to the families.

Khang Duy

(According to Newindianexpress)