Rayagada: Two siblings lost their lives while another was critically injured after they were struck by lightning near Alutumba village under Mandibisi panchayat in Rayagada district Sunday evening.
The injured has been admitted at the Community Health Centre (CHC) at Kashipur.
The deceased were identified as Manu Singh Majhi (25) and his elder brother Subash Singh Majhi (30) while the injured was their relative Suna Singh Majhi (24).
The incident occurred when the three were clearing a patch of land on a hill near the village for cultivation and sudden rain lashed the village accompanied by gusty surface wind and hailstorm.
Lightning struck the three while they were taking shelter from the rain under a tree. Family members went to search for them after they did not return home and found them lying unconscious under the tree.
The three were rushed to Kashipur CHC where doctors declared the two brothers brought dead.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) center has issued thunderstorm alert for 10 districts in the state. The weatherman has advised people to take precautions during the adverse weather conditions and avoid going out in the gusty surface wind.
Mostly the thunderstorm is forecast for Khurdha, Cuttack, Nayagarh, Puri, Ganjam, Rayagada, Nabrangpur, Kandhamal, Gajapati and Kalahandi districts.
PNN
