Roof and walls develop deep cracks after midnight lightning strike in Feruwala; administration begins damage assessment as villagers seek compensation

YAMUNANAGAR | Pen of Democracy News Desk

A family of six had a miraculous escape after lightning struck their house in Feruwala village under Chhachhrauli block of Yamunanagar district late on Sunday night, leaving the structure badly damaged.

The incident caused deep cracks in the roof and walls of the house, while the front projection (chhajja) collapsed completely, crushing a cooler kept beneath it. Fortunately, no one was injured as the family had moved indoors only minutes before the lightning strike.
According to information, Shanti Kumar lives in the house near the village bus stand along with his elderly parents, younger brother, wife and daughter. The family earns its livelihood through daily wage labour and had been sleeping in the courtyard due to the prevailing heat after finishing dinner.

At around 3 a.m., light rain began, prompting the family to gather their bedding and shift inside the house. Within minutes of entering the room, a deafening thunderclap was followed by a powerful lightning strike that hit the house directly.

Family members said the impact shook the entire structure. Chunks of plaster and cement began falling from the ceiling, forcing everyone into panic. After the situation calmed, they stepped outside and discovered extensive damage. Large cracks had appeared across the roof and walls, while the front chhajja had collapsed onto the courtyard. A cooler placed beneath the structure was completely destroyed.

The loud explosion alerted nearby residents, who rushed to the spot to assist the family. Village Sarpanch Ravi, along with several local residents, inspected the damaged house and expressed relief that the family had escaped unharmed.

“The family had shifted inside only a few minutes before the lightning struck. Had they remained in the courtyard, the incident could have resulted in serious injuries or even loss of life,” the Sarpanch said while urging the district administration to provide immediate financial assistance to the economically weaker family.

On Monday morning, officials from the Revenue Department visited the site to assess the extent of the damage. The area patwari inspected the house and initiated the process of preparing a report to be submitted to the district administration for further action.

The incident has once again highlighted the dangers posed by lightning during the monsoon season. Authorities have repeatedly advised residents to avoid staying in open areas during thunderstorms and to immediately take shelter inside safe structures whenever lightning activity is reported.

Villagers have appealed to the administration to expedite compensation for the affected family, stating that the house has suffered severe structural damage and requires urgent repairs before it can be considered safe for habitation.

Two Grievances Resolved on the Spot at Vyaspur SDM’s Samadhan Camp

Public grievances were addressed on priority during the Samadhan Camp held at the SDM Office in Vyaspur on Monday, where Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Dr. Kuldeep Singh heard complaints from citizens and directed officials to ensure their speedy resolution.

A total of three grievances relating to different government departments were received during the camp. Two complaints were resolved immediately on the spot, while the remaining case was forwarded to the concerned department for necessary action and early disposal.

Addressing officials, Dr. Kuldeep Singh said the Samadhan Camps, being organised under the directions of the Haryana Government, are aimed at providing quick and effective solutions to public grievances. He said citizens can bring issues related to the Family Identity Card (PPP), ration cards, social security pensions, police matters, Panchayati Raj institutions and other government departments to the camp for redressal.

He emphasised that complaints which can be resolved immediately should be disposed of without delay, while cases requiring verification or departmental procedures must be processed within the stipulated time. He instructed all officers to avoid unnecessary delays and ensure timely relief to the public.

Officials from several departments participated in the camp, including Junior Engineer Rinkle from Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam, Junior Engineer Jatin from the Public Works Department, Gram Sachiv Saurav from the Panchayat Department, Rajveer from the Public Health Department, Vinod from KRID, Ram Kumar from the Vyaspur Market Committee, Megha (Coordinator) from the Women and Child Development Department, Saurabh from the Animal Husbandry and Dairy Department, SEPO Pravesh Kumar, Harpal from the Agriculture Department and Dr. Sanjeev from the Health Department.

The administration reiterated that the grievance redressal initiative is intended to strengthen public service delivery by ensuring that citizens receive prompt and transparent resolution of their concerns.

POD/DESK