HT Bureau
DIPHU, July 16: Two persons lost their lives in separate incidents in West Karbi Anglong district recently, the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) confirmed in an official report.
In the first incident, a woman died on the spot after being struck by lightning at Harlongsora in the Jengkha area around 3:30 pm.
The victim, identified as Subita Derapi (30), wife of Mahajon Enghi and a resident of Harlongsora village, was engaged in paddy transplantation in a field when the incident occurred.
A detailed report is being prepared and will be submitted to the DDMA following field verification.
In a separate incident earlier the same day, a suspected case of accidental drowning was reported at Hongkram (Tharve Abi) around 12:30 pm.
According to information from the local Sarkari Gaon Bura, the victim, Niki Das, son of Narayan Das and a resident of Borbill Goneshpur, had gone to the river with a friend to bathe in the afternoon.
He went missing shortly after entering the water.
The SDRF team from Hamren reached the spot to initiate a rescue operation, which had to be temporarily suspended due to darkness.
The district administration has expressed grief over the twin tragedies and extended its condolences to the bereaved families.
Citizens have been urged to exercise caution during inclement weather and avoid venturing near water bodies.