Lightning strikes kill eleven
Kolkata: Eleven people were killed by lightning in Malda, West Bengal, on Thursday. Several victims were in orchards collecting mangos knocked down by stormy winds.
The district administration has announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the family of each deceased.
“My heart goes out to the families who lost their loved ones in Malda due to the tragic lightning strikes. I extend my deepest condolences to them during this difficult time,” Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said.
Chandan Sahani (40), Raj Mriddha (16), and Manajit Mandal (21) were killed while collecting mangos in an orchard in Sahapur. Asit Saha (19) was also collecting mangos in Gajol when he was struck by lightning and killed, according to official sources.
Atul Mandal (65), Sheikh Sabrul (11), and Rana Sheikh (11) were also killed by lightning at a mango orchard in Nihalutola.
Malda is known for several mango varieties, including ‘Fajli’, ‘Himsagar’, and ‘Laxmanbhog’.
Sumitra Mondol (45) and Pankaj Mondol (23) were struck by lightning while working in the paddy fields in Ratua and Englishbazar areas. Nayan Ray (23) and Priyanka Singh (20) were working in a jute field when they were killed by lightning.
Two other individuals in Sahapur and Englishbazar were injured by lightning and were admitted to Malda Medical College and Hospital.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the injured, and I pray for their swift recovery,” the chief minister posted on X. “Our district administration is working tirelessly to provide all necessary support to the affected. We will do everything in our capacity to assist those in need.”
