Odisha: State plans integrated strategy to reduce lightning fatalities

Bhubaneswar, Oct 17 (UNI) Odisha will draw up a state-specific lightning safety action plan focusing on timely warnings, low-cost safe shelters and emergency medical care to reduce lightning-related deaths, with priority given to farmers, agricultural labourers and others exposed to open areas. The plan emerged from deliberations at a two-day National Lightning Safety Workshop organised by the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA), which stressed the need for technology-driven alerts and a coordinated emergency response system. Experts discussed the use of SMS alerts, mobile applications, sirens and local announcements to ensure warnings reach people quickly. They also emphasised sensor-based monitoring…