Lightning strikes kill 3 women as storms lash CG

Raipur: Lightning strikes and violent thunderstorms swept across multiple districts of Chhattisgarh on Tuesday and Wednesday, killing three women and injuring more than 15 others as unstable weather conditions continued to lash the state.The most severe incident was reported from Dantewada district, where a crowded weekly market turned into a scene of chaos after lightning struck amid heavy rain and gusty winds on Tuesday evening.At least 12 villagers came in contact with the lightning strike during the Chandenar jatara (fair), killing one woman on the spot and injuring 11 others, one of them critically.Witnesses said hundreds of villagers had gathered at the bustling weekly market when dark clouds suddenly rolled in, followed by strong winds and loud thunder. Moments later, lightning struck near the crowded bazaar, triggering panic among shoppers and vendors.“As people ran for shelter, several villagers collapsed after being hit by the lightning,” an official said.The injured were rushed to the district hospital.Another fatality was reported from Bijapur district’s Usoor block, where 50-year-old Kalmu Malli was killed after lightning struck while she was working outside her house in Perampalli village on Wednesday.The storm system also caused widespread damage in the region. In Thana Para area of Usoor, strong winds ripped off roof sheets from at least five houses, forcing affected families to take shelter under temporary tarpaulin covers.In Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur (MCB) district, another woman labourer died and five others were injured after lightning struck a dam construction site at Charkhar village in Bharatpur.Officials said around 58 labourers were present at the site when the weather suddenly deteriorated during evening hours. Several women workers were caught in the open as lightning hit the area.The back-to-back lightning incidents come as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a statewide alert warning of thunderstorms, lightning activity and gusty winds till Thursday.According to the weather department, several districts may witness wind speeds of 50-60 kmph accompanied by lightning and light to moderate rainfall.IMD has advised residents, particularly farmers and labourers working in open areas, to remain alert during sudden weather changes and avoid taking shelter under trees or near electric poles during lightning activity.