KOLKATA, July 25 (V7N) – At least 15 people were killed and several others injured in multiple lightning strikes across West Bengal, India, on Thursday amid severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. The fatalities were reported from the districts of Bankura, Purba Bardhaman, and Paschim Medinipur.

According to local authorities, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued early warnings of intense thunderstorms accompanied by lightning. The strikes occurred during peak agricultural activity, with many of the victims engaged in paddy cultivation in open fields when they were struck.

In Bankura district, nine deaths were reported from various areas including Kotulpur, Onda, Indas, and Joypur. In Kotulpur’s Khiri village, 50-year-old Ziaul Haque Molla died on the spot while planting paddy in the field. A woman named Asfia Molla sustained injuries in the same incident. Witnesses reported that lightning struck directly above their heads during the storm. Local villagers rushed them to Gogora Rural Hospital, where Ziaul was declared dead and Asfia remained under treatment.

Other victims from Bankura include 48-year-old Narayan Saware from Onda, and 60-year-old Ismail Mondal from Indas. In Joypur's Khadikasuli village, 38-year-old Uttam Bhuiya also lost his life.

Five people died in Purba Bardhaman district, most of them also agricultural laborers. Among the victims were 60-year-old Sanatan Patra from Madhabdihi and 28-year-old Sanjay Hembram from Ausgram. Local sources reported that Sanjay was assisting on his uncle’s farm when the storm began, and he was struck by lightning while working. In Bhatar, four individuals were injured in separate lightning incidents.

In Paschim Medinipur district, 42-year-old farmer Lakshmikanta Pan died in Bhagabantapur village under Chandrakona II block after being struck while working in the fields. His body was sent for autopsy to the Ghatal Sub-divisional Hospital by local police.

Authorities and meteorological experts have expressed concern over the rising number of lightning-related fatalities during the monsoon season, especially among rural agricultural workers who remain exposed to open skies during fieldwork.

Local administrations in the affected districts have begun processing compensation for the families of the deceased under the state’s disaster relief scheme. Awareness campaigns on lightning safety measures are also being reinforced in vulnerable areas.

The IMD continues to advise caution and recommends that residents avoid open fields, water bodies, and isolated trees during thunderstorms.

END/WD/AJ/