Lightning leaves minor dead, 2 injured

Kulgam, Aug 15: A minor boy died after being struck by lightning while two others suffered injuries in the Bangward area of Damhal Hanjipora area in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Wednesday morning.

The deceased was identified as Mukhtar Ahmad Chuhan, son of Muhammad of Bangward Bala.

Sub District Magistrate (SDM), Noorabad Kulgam Bashir-ul-Hassan told Greater Kashmir that the incident occurred at around 7:30 am.

“The victims, all minors, were sitting under a tree along with their cattle when the lightning struck them,” he said.

The official said that on the directions of the Deputy Commissioner (DC), their entire sub divisional team sprang into action and launched a prompt rescue operation.

He said that the injured were immediately shifted to the hospital.

“One of the injured suffered superficial injuries,” Hassan said.

He said that immediate relief was provided to the victims’ families and the case for adequate compensation was being processed.

The SDM advised people living in remote areas not to venture out during the bad weather conditions.

Meanwhile, a cloud burst triggered flash floods in Sedow village of neighboring Shopian district.

An official said that the water entered a few houses but no loss of life or property was reported.