Weather Alert – Lightning Strikes Claim Six Lives Across Jharkhand Districts
Weather Alert – Heavy lightning incidents across several districts of Jharkhand have resulted in the deaths of six people within the past 24 hours, with multiple others suffering injuries during sudden thunderstorms.
The tragic incidents were reported from different parts of the state, including Garhwa, Koderma, Latehar, Chatra, and Gumla districts, where intense rainfall and lightning activity affected rural communities over the weekend. Authorities said most victims were caught outdoors when the strikes occurred.
Teenager Dies While Sheltering From Rain in Gumla
In Gumla district’s Sukuruhutu village under the Bharno block, a 13-year-old boy identified as Aman Mahto lost his life after being struck by lightning on Sunday. His younger brother, Amit Mahto, was also injured during the incident and is currently undergoing treatment.
According to family members, the two brothers had gone out to graze goats when sudden rain began in the area. In an attempt to protect themselves from the downpour, they reportedly stood beneath a tree. Moments later, lightning struck the spot.
Their father, Phulendra Mahto, said villagers rushed to help after hearing about the incident. Both children were taken to the nearest Community Health Centre, where doctors declared Aman dead on arrival. Amit survived with injuries and remains under medical observation.
Three Family Members Killed in Koderma
Earlier, another heartbreaking incident took place in Nanduadih village under the Satgawan block of Koderma district. Three members of the same family died after lightning struck during adverse weather conditions on Sunday.
The victims were identified as Saraswati Devi, 42, her 12-year-old son Ankit Kumar, and 60-year-old Mundrika Devi. Local residents said the family members were outdoors when the lightning strike occurred. Officials reached the location shortly after receiving information about the tragedy.
The sudden deaths have left the village in mourning, with residents expressing concern over the increasing number of lightning-related incidents during the monsoon season.
Injuries Reported in Latehar Incident
In Latehar district’s Balumath area, a young man also lost his life after being struck by lightning. Apart from the fatality, three other individuals sustained injuries in the same incident.
The injured persons were shifted to a nearby medical facility for treatment. Their condition is said to be stable, according to local administration sources.
Officials have urged people living in rural and open areas to remain indoors during thunderstorms and avoid taking shelter beneath isolated trees, which are considered highly vulnerable during lightning activity.
Rising Lightning Incidents Raise Safety Concerns
Jharkhand frequently witnesses lightning-related casualties during periods of heavy rain and unstable weather. Experts say people working in fields, grazing animals, or travelling in open spaces are especially at risk during thunderstorms.
Disaster management authorities continue to advise residents to monitor weather updates carefully and follow safety instructions issued by local administrations. Emergency response teams have also been directed to remain alert in districts witnessing severe weather conditions.
The recent incidents have once again highlighted the dangers posed by lightning strikes in rural regions, particularly during the rainy season when outdoor agricultural activities remain common across the state.