KATHMANDU: Two individuals lost their lives in Kailali when they were struck by lightning. According to the District Police Office, the deceased are Jayaram Dagaura, aged 31, from Bhitariya in Joshipur Rural Municipality, and Salim Chaudhary, aged 27, from F Gaun in Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City-18. Jayaram Dagaura succumbed to injuries sustained while working in his field, despite receiving treatment at Mahaparbati Clinic. Salim Chaudhary was struck while also working in his field and passed away at Seti Provincial Hospital in Dhangadhi.

In addition to the fatalities, six other individuals were injured by the lightning strike, as reported by the police. Among the injured are Rita Kathariya (29) and Sushma Dagaura (23) from Belpur, Janaki Rural Municipality-4; Ram Bahadur Chaudhary (55) from Bhajani Municipality-6; and Saraswati Bhul (9), Paru Kathayat (7), and Khima Kathayat (10) from Budeni, Ghodaghodi Municipality-9 in Kailali district.

The incident underscores the sudden and tragic nature of lightning strikes, which can cause severe harm and fatalities during outdoor activities such as farming. Authorities have advised caution during thunderstorms to minimize such risks to individuals in vulnerable situations.