At least 13 people, including three children, were killed in lightning strikes in three districts of West Bengal during a sudden storm and rain. Two others have been injured, said the police on Thursday.
While Malda reported 11 deaths, Murshidabad and Jalpaiguri registered one casualty each.
The police arranged to bring the bodies of the deceased to the Malda Medical College for post-mortem examination.
According to the police and local sources, the 11 deceased have been identified as Chandan Sahani, 40, Raj Mridha, 16, Manojit Mondal, 21, Asit Saha, 19, and Sumitra Mondal, 46, Pankaj Mondal, 23, Nayan Roy, 23, Priyanka Singh Roy, 20, Rana Sheikh, 8, Atul Mandal, 65 and Sabrul Sheikh, 11. The injured have been identified as Fatema Bibi, 35, and Dulu Mondal, 45.
As per sources, Nayan Roy and his wife Priyanka of Harishchandrapur were killed in the lightning strikes while they were cultivating jute in their land. The couple was a resident of the Budhia area.
According to the police and local sources, Raj Mridha and Asit Saha, both students of Classes 10 and 11, respectively, were struck by lightning while returning home from a mango orchard in the Adina area of Gajol.
On the other hand, Sumitra Mandal, a housewife living in the Balupur area of Ratua police station, died while she was harvesting paddy and a lightning struck her.
The IMD says a low-pressure area is likely to from over southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining Andaman Sea around May 23 and there is a moderate probability for its further intensification into a depression over southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Andaman Sea in the beginning of the second week. The system is likely to intensify further and move north-northeastwards during the later part of the week.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her condolences to the bereaved family.
“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 administration is working tirelessly to provide all necessary support to the affected. We will do everything in our capacity to assist those in need,” Banerjee posted on her X handle.