Mar 22, Polonnaruwa: A severe thunderstorm that affected Bandiwewa area in Polonnaruwa last evening killed one person and damaged over 30 houses.

According to sources in the area an 18-year-old female was killed and three others including her husband were injured due to thunder strikes during the storm.

The injured were admitted to hospital and one of them is in serious condition said the sources. The victims were engaged in paddy harvesting when lightning struck them, sources added.

Meteorological department says that the deaths caused by lighting have sharply risen this year. Earlier this week four other people were killed and few others suffered injuries due to lightning.