In a shocking turn of events, a lightning strike during a storm in Zaraguri PGR no. 1 village in Gossaigaon resulted in a home being gutted. An elderly woman, Sabijon Bewa, narrowly escaped the lightning strike in her kitchen but lost her belongings, including her house utensils, chairs, and chickens, in the ensuing fire. Despite the devastation, the community has rallied together to support the victim and demand compensation and rehabilitation from local authorities.
The incident comes after a recent bout of severe weather in Tinsukia district on April 4, where thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rain, hail, and gusty winds caused widespread damage to homes and crops.
Guijan and Natungaon under Tinsukia revenue circle, as well as Bheel line in Baghjan Tea Estate under Doomdooma revenue circle, were particularly affected, with several houses flattened.
While the Adivasi Students' Union alleged that no officials from the district authority or disaster department visited the affected areas, leaders from ATTSA, along with revenue circle officials, visited Baghjan and nearby areas, demanding immediate compensation, ration, and rehabilitation for the affected residents.