5 Women Killed in Jharkhand Lightning Strikes as IMD Issues Thunderstorm Alert
Five women were killed and four others injured after lightning struck separate paddy fields in Jharkhand's Ramgarh and Godda districts on Sunday, highlighting the dangers of working in open fields during the monsoon. All the victims were sowing paddy when the incidents occurred. The deaths come amid continued thunderstorm activity across the state, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) urging residents to remain alert during lightning events.
Three of the fatalities were reported from Patratu Block in Ramgarh district. According to Patratu Police Station officer in charge Shivlal Kumar Gupta, the deceased were identified as Rekha Devi (45) and Roshni Kumari (21), both residents of Sakul village, and Sushanti Devi (34) of Palani village. All three women were struck by lightning while transplanting paddy in agricultural fields.
Two others in Ramgarh, Sunita Devi (27) and Kanchan Kumar (17), sustained injuries in the incident. The bodies of the deceased have been sent to Ramgarh Sadar Hospital for post mortem examinations, while the injured are receiving treatment.
In Godda district, two more women were killed after lightning struck the South Bahiyar area near Derma crossing in Basantrai Block. Basantrai Police Station officer in charge Ramdev Verma identified the victims as Kiran Devi (50) of Rampur village and Anita Devi (52) of Jahajkitta village.
Two people were also injured in the Godda incident. One of them has been identified as Rekha Devi, a relative of Kiran Devi, while the identity of the other injured person is yet to be established. The deceased were shifted to Godda Sadar Hospital for post mortem examinations.
The tragedy occurred during a period of active monsoon weather across Jharkhand. The IMD has issued repeated warnings of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds, advising people to avoid working in open fields, taking shelter under isolated trees, or remaining outdoors during lightning activity.