11 dead in 15 days as lightning strikes hit Bengal’s Bankura district

Bankura district in West Bengal has reported 11 lightning-related deaths over the past 15 days, according to data released by the State Disaster Management Department on Wednesday morning. The most recent fatalities occurred on Tuesday evening when two farmers were struck by lightning while working in separate fields. The victims were identified as 55-year-old Raju Bagdi from Palashi village under Indas police station and 63-year-old Jayanta Mandal from Patit village under Patrasayer police station. Both were engaged in Aman paddy plantation when lightning struck, resulting in immediate death. The bodies were sent to Bishnupur District Hospital for post-mortem.

Officials said that the district has been experiencing continuous rainfall since the onset of the monsoon, caused by repeated low-pressure formations. This has led to an increase in thundercloud activity and incidents of lightning strikes. On July 24, nine people were killed in lightning incidents reported across different areas of Bankura district. The current toll now stands at 11, with all deaths occurring between July 24 and August 6.

The district administration has confirmed the details and stated that all deaths took place during outdoor activities in rural areas, mostly involving agricultural work. Emergency protocols have been activated and weather monitoring is being done regularly. Awareness measures are being considered for lightning safety, especially in vulnerable villages where most incidents have occurred during monsoon-related fieldwork.