Lightning kills 2 children, herder as storms sweep Chhattisgarh

RAIPUR: Three people, including two children, were killed after lightning struck a tree under which they had taken shelter from heavy rain in Surguja district on Monday evening, as thunderstorms and gusty winds swept across Chhattisgarh.The victims — five-year-old Sagar, nine-year-old Rani and 36-year-old cattle herder Ram Sai — were caught in the strike at Khutapara village under Dhaurpur region. The children had gone to collect fallen mangoes when rain forced them to take shelter under a mango tree. Ram Sai, who was grazing cattle nearby, also rushed beneath the tree. Moments later, lightning struck, killing all three on the spot. Sagar's 12-year-old sister, Shraddha, sustained serious burn injuries and is undergoing treatment.The latest tragedy comes close on the heels of other rain-related fatalities in the state. On Sunday, two sisters were killed after a mud wall collapsed in Bemetara following heavy rain, while an 18-year-old youth died and four others were injured in a lightning strike in Sukma.The storm also left a trail of damage elsewhere. In Bilaspur, uprooted trees and snapped power lines disrupted electricity supply in several areas, including VIP localities, after strong winds lashed the city.

The India Meteorological Department has forecast more thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and winds of up to 40-60 kmph across several districts over the next few days as the southwest monsoon advances. Officials have advised people to avoid taking shelter under trees or venturing into open fields during thunderstorms.