Lightning Strikes Kill 16 People Who Were Taking Selfies And Many More Throughout The Country
16 people have lost their lives while taking selfies during a thunderstorm in India.
The people who died taking photos at the highest point of a watchtower at the 12th Century Amer Fort in Jaipur were all struck down by lightning bolts.
Out of the 27 people present, some are reported to have gone to the ground to avoid being hit by the electric killers.
Authorities have confirmed that most of the people who died were young.
#Jaipur: Eleven tourists lost their lives and another eight sustained injuries during a lightning strike near the Amer Fort. pic.twitter.com/6xNZe2JUFJ
— IANS Tweets (@ians_india) July 12, 2021
There were also other deaths by lightning strikes in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, according to the BBC.
Reportedly, 41 people, most of whom women and children, lost their lives in Uttar Pradesh. Two men were hit while seeking refuge under a tree in Firozabad, while 7 more died in Madhya Pradesh.
14 people in the city of Allahabad also died of the same cause.
Authorities say the death count was especially high in these places because there are many people who work outside in construction and agriculture.
Unfortunately, deaths by lightning happen often in India, with around 2,000 people killed every year. In 2019 2,876 people died of lightning strikes.
Lightning has killed 38 people in India over the past 24 hours https://t.co/WTpQ0AYJBK
— Evening Standard (@standardnews) July 12, 2021
Thunderstorms have even been classified as ‘the single-largest killer natural disaster in India’ by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), according to Hindustan Times.
The Office of the Prime Minister of India made a statement following the recent deaths noting that the people who were hurt by the lightning strikes and the next of kin of the dead will be compensated.
A tweet was made on July 12, reading:
“The Prime Minister was briefed about the loss of lives and damages due to lightning in parts of Uttar Pradesh. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 would be given to the injured.”
In another tweet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said:
“Saddened by the loss of lives due to lightning in parts of Madhya Pradesh. The State Government will provide all possible assistance to the affected.”
Saddened by the loss of lives due to lightning in parts of Madhya Pradesh. The State Government will provide all possible assistance to the affected. From the PMNRF, Rs. 2 lakh would be given to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 would be given to the injured: PM Modi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 12, 2021
It is advised for people who find themselves in such a scenario to hide in a building or a car, get out of large open spaces and hilltops and crouch down with their feet together, hands on knees and head tucked in to shield themselves. Also, people should never hide under trees and, if swimming, should immediately escape to the shore.
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