Lightning claims four lives in Guntur district

Four women were killed and three others sustained injuries in lightning strikes in two places in Guntur district on Saturday (September 13).

District Revenue Officer N. Sk. Khajavali said the deceased were identified as Devarapalli Sambrajyam (61) and Thanneeru Nagamma (49) of Anaparru village in Pedanandipadu mandal and Dasari Saramma (39) and Dasari Rani (41) of Nambur village in Pedakakani mandal. All four were working in agricultural fields when the incident occurred.

The incident at Nambur left three women with minor injuries. “They are recovering and out of danger,” Mr. Khajavali said. District Collector Thameem Ansariya A. said the administration was extending all possible support to the affected families.

Dasari Danamma, a relative of a deceased women in Nambur, five women working in the field sought shelter under a small tree when heavy rain accompanied by lightning began around 12.15 p.m. Saramma and Rani were the first to reach the tree, followed by three others.

A lightning struck the tree moments later, killing two on the spot and leaving three injured.

Premavathi, who regained consciousness a while later, alerted her family members, who rushed to the field and shifted the victims to the Guntur Government Hospital. Doctors confirmed that one of the injured sustained burns, while the others were treated for shock.

According a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office, as of 5 p.m. Saturday, heavy rainfall was recorded in several areas. Taallapudi in East Godavari recorded 87.2 mm, Lingapalem in Eluru 87.2 mm, Pedakakani in Guntur 77.2 mm, Sattenapalli in Palnadu 75 mm, Vallabhapuram in Guntur 74 mm, and Guntur city 72.2 mm. In total, 47 locations across the State reported over 40 mm rains.