Mahakalpara: A cluster of eight houses were gutted at Gojabandh village under this block in Kendrapara district due to lightning and resultant fire amid the massive Nor’wester rain Sunday night.
The fire has rendered the families homeless, and they had a hard time through the night. Assets worth lakhs of rupees including electronic gadgets, furniture and important documents were gutted.
The victims were Kalandi Nayak, Akshay Nayak, Ramakant Nayak and Babuli Nayak.
Locals said lightning struck the house of Kalandi Nayak. This led to a fire that soon spread to three more houses – of Akshay Nayak, Ramakant Nayak and Babuli Nayak. Locals woke up from sleep and tried to douse the flames, but in vain. Later, they informed the fire force office. Firemen came in and extinguished the flames after hours of hard work.
A team of revenue officials visited the village Monday morning. They provided necessary essentials and dry food to the victims. Government compensation would be given to the affected families, officials said.
The affected families took shelter at the local school and Anganwadi centre. Rain added to their woes. The families were of the BPL category and locals pleaded with the administration for immediate relief to the victims.
