Disturbed over the loss of many lives in lightning strikes in the State, the Odisha Government has decided to send alerts to people on their mobile phones via Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) or voice messages.
Sources said people will also be informed about the precautions to be taken to stay safe during lightning strikes. They will also be advised to take precautions for safety of their houses like installing lightning conductors.
“Engineers have been instructed to instal lightning conductors at school buildings and offices under the Rural Development Department. lightning arresters should also be installed at temples and residential apartments,” said Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Bishnupada Sethi.
Notably, more than 480 people have lost their lives in lightning strikes in the last five months. The State has recorded 20 per cent of deaths in the country due to lightning strikes.