Lightning Strikes Claim 11 Lives In West Bengal's Malda, CM Mamata Offers Condolences

The West Bengal officials confirmed that at least 11 people have been killed due to lightning strikes and injured are treated at various hospitals.

Representational Image | At least 11 individuals lost their lives due to lighting in the Malda district of West Bengal. ( Image Source :Getty )

In a tragic incident, at least 11 individuals lost their lives on Thursday afternoon due to lightning strikes in various locations across West Bengal's Malda district. The official stated that the district administration has announced compensation of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of the deceased.

"So far, 11 people have been killed due to lightning strikes. A number of injured people are being treated at various hospitals. Some of the injured are in critical condition," the official said, PTI quoted saying.

CM Mamata Says District Admin Working Tirelessly

In response to this natural disaster, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee expressed her sympathy through her social media platform X (formerly Twitter) for the families affected by the lightning strikes in Malda.

She extends heartfelt condolences to those who lost loved ones and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured. Banerjee assured that the district administration is actively providing aid to those affected and promised full support to assist those in need. "My heart goes out to the families who lost their loved ones in Malda due to the tragic lightning strikes. I extend my deepest condolences to them during this difficult time," CM Mamata Banerjee wrote. 

She further added, "My thoughts and prayers are with the injured, and I pray for their swift recovery. Our district administration is working tirelessly to provide all necessary support to the affected. We will do everything in our capacity to assist those in need."

My heart goes out to the families who lost their loved ones in Malda due to the tragic lightning strikes. I extend my deepest condolences to them during this difficult time.

My thoughts and prayers are with the injured, and I pray for their swift recovery.

Our district…

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) May 16, 2024

As per the government official reports, among the victims, Chandan Sahani (40), Raj Mriddha (16), and Manajit Mandal (21) were killed in Malda’s Sahapur area, while Asit Saha (19) lost his life in Gajol while working in a mango orchard.

lightning also claimed the lives of a couple from Harishchandrapur, Nayan Roy, 23, and Priyanka Singha, 20, as well as eight-year-old Rana Sheikh from Mohammed Tola in Manickchak, the official added.

Lightning killed Atul Mandal (65) and Sheikh Sabrul (11) in Haddatola, while Sumitra Mandal (45) lost her life in Mirdadpur, he further added. In Englishbazar's Milki, a man identified as Pankaj Mandal (23) was also killed.