Two children were killed by lightning on Saturday evening in Alipan East Village, Otok Parish, Pajule Sub-county, Pader District. The victims — Emily Amaro-rwot, 3, and Jacob Omara, 8 — died instantly around 6 pm when lightning struck their grass-thatched house during a heavy downpour.
Their mother, Adokorach Dorcus, 25, said she was not inside the house at the time. She explained that the children had rushed in to take shelter from the rain moments before the strike. The lightning also destroyed four sacks of maize, two sacks of beans, all household clothing, cooking utensils, and Shs 500,000 she had earned from selling produce.
Adokorach, who is divorced, was left helpless and struggling after the tragedy. Pajule Sub-county LC V Councilor Charles Komakech said lightning incidents are becoming more frequent in the area. “Since 2021, we have lost more than three people and five animals to lightning,” he said. Komakech urged residents to avoid taking shelter under trees or in grass-thatched houses and called for the installation of lightning arresters.
Officials from Pader District said they lack funds to support the bereaved family. They appealed to well-wishers and humanitarian groups to help Adokorach rebuild her life and recover from the devastating loss.
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