One person was killed and 12 others were injured, seven of them seriously, including two minors, when lightning struck them in Kokrajhar on Wednesday morning.
As per information, thunderstorm affected many parts of Kokrajhar in which many trees including betel nut, mango trees were uprooted, besides a number of jackfruit plants and houses were damaged.
One 24-year-old Swmdwn Basumatary, who hailed from Patgaon No 2 Mwistabari, died when he was struck by lightning at around 8 am.
At least 12 other people were injured, seven of them seriously when they were hit by lightning in different parts of Kokrajhar district. Lightning with thunderstorm hit different places in Kokrajhar like Bismuri, Patgaon, Serfanguri, Atiabari, Kuchugaon and other neighbouring areas on Wednesday morning.
The seriously injured people have been identified as 7-year-old Tubodar Muchahary, 11-year-old Sujula Basumatary, 38-year-old Pulmoti Narzary, 70-year-old Pilimon Tirkey, 40-year-old Soba Basumatary, 20-year-old Mithinga Narzary, and 25-year-old Anjima Narzary.
The injured are currently being treated at the Kokrajhar Rupnath Brahma Civil Hospital.
The family members of the victim, Swmdwn Basumatary, who was a graduate student, said, “The massive thunderstorm and lightning hit the village this morning. Swmdwn Basumatary died as he was hit by lightning while he was sleeping in his room. Several persons, who received serious injuries, were taken to Kokrajhar Rupnath Brahma Civil Hospital and they have been taking treatment at the hospital.”
A doctor at the Kokrajhar Rupnath Brahma Civil Hospital informed that the people who were severely injured due to lightning have been provided treatment in the hospital.
The doctor also advised that when thundering takes place people should not go out in the field and should stay inside home.