Sheragada(Ganjam), June 25 (UDN): A 60-year-old farmer was killed after being struck by lightning while working in a paddy field in Odisha’s Ganjam district on Wednesday afternoon.

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The deceased has been identified as D. Kora patra, a resident of Sulayapalli village.

According to sources, Kora patra was engaged in agricultural work in his paddy field when a sudden spell of rain accompanied by thunderstorms lashed the area. During the downpour, lightning struck the field, critically injuring the farmer.

Local residents and family members rushed him to a nearby healthcare facility for treatment. However, doctors declared him dead on arrival.

The incident has cast a pall of gloom over Sulayapalli village, with grieving family members and villagers mourning the untimely demise of the farmer.

On receiving information, local revenue and police officials reached the village and initiated necessary formalities. The body was later sent for post-mortem examination.

The district administration is expected to process ex-gratia assistance for the bereaved family as per the provisions of the state disaster relief norms.

With incidents of lightning strikes increasing during the monsoon season, authorities have urged people, especially farmers and outdoor workers, to avoid working in open fields during thunderstorms and strictly follow weather advisories issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).