Devastating lightning strikes in Palamu district have led to the deaths of four individuals, with one incident claiming the lives of three members of the same family. The affected areas include the Panki and Patan blocks. Three women lost their lives in Panki, while a young man was killed in Patan. The local communities are grappling with the loss.
A farming family in Jolhabigha village, part of the Kekergarh Panchayat in Panki block, was struck by lightning while working in a paddy field. Okida Khatoon (34), Rashmi Bibi (35), and Rajvi Bibi (40) were the victims. Rajvi Bibi was visiting from her maternal home to assist with the planting.
In a separate event in Nawadih Bhurwa village, under the Patan police station, Niranjan Mehta (32) was killed instantly by lightning while carrying paddy saplings. He leaves behind two small children, including a daughter, just a year and a half old. The community is deeply saddened by this loss.
Adding to the tragedy, Pushpa Devi, the wife of the Sarpanch Vinayak Saw of Pathakpagar Panchayat in Tarhasi block, was spared in a lightning strike. Sadly, four of her goats perished. The animals had sought refuge under a mahua tree during a rain shower. Pushpa had been present but left before the lightning struck, killing the goats. The estimated financial loss due to the goats’ deaths is 80,000 rupees.