Tragic Toll: Disasters in Odisha Claim Thousands
In Odisha, 6,578 people died from lightning, drowning, and snakebite over the last two fiscal years. The government responded by classifying these as state-specific disasters, allocating Rs 263.12 crore for victim compensation. The tragedy highlights the need for enhanced safety measures and awareness to mitigate future risks.
- Country:
- India
In a shocking revelation, Odisha's Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, Suresh Pujari, announced that a staggering 6,578 individuals lost their lives to lightning strikes, drowning, and snakebites in the state over the last two fiscal years.
The fatalities, disclosed in response to a query from MLA Chakramani Kanhar, include 3,439 deaths in 2023-24 and 3,139 in 2024-25, as reported in the state assembly. The government recognizes these calamities as state-specific disasters, with financial assistance drawn from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).
The grim statistics show that during this period, 3,860 people succumbed to drowning incidents, 600 to lightning strikes, and 2,118 to snakebites. In a bid to provide relief, the government disbursed Rs 263.12 crore as ex gratia to bereaved families, highlighting a desperate need for preventive measures across the state's most vulnerable districts.
Google News