Lightning strike kills 14 during church service in Palabek Refugee Settlement

A lightning strike killed 14 people and injured others during a church service in the Palabek Refugee Settlement in northern Uganda, prompting shock and grief in the community. The incident occurred on a stormy afternoon when congregants were gathered for worship under a simple shelter or open structure, common in many refugee settings where formal church buildings may be limited. Witnesses reported that the lightning struck suddenly amid heavy rain and thunder, killing several people instantly and leaving others with serious injuries. Emergency responders and aid workers rushed to the scene to provide first aid, transport the wounded to nearby clinics, and support affected families with food and temporary shelter. The tragedy highlights the acute vulnerability of displaced populations to natural hazards, particularly in refugee settlements where infrastructure is often informal and protection from severe weather is minimal. Palabek, home to tens of thousands of refugees—many fleeing conflict and instability in neighbouring South Sudan—has limited medical and emergency response capacity, making disasters like this especially devastating. Humanitarian agencies and local authorities issued warnings about seasonal storms and urged communities to seek safer shelter during inclement weather. The deaths also underscored broader challenges in improving weather‑related risk communication, early warning systems, and community planning in contexts with limited resources. National and local leaders expressed condolences to the families of the victims and called for strengthened support from humanitarian partners to enhance emergency preparedness in settlements. The Uganda Red Cross Society and other relief organisations provided counseling, assistance for burial arrangements, and temporary aid to those affected. Overall, the lightning strike at Palabek Refugee Settlement was a tragic reminder of how extreme weather can disproportionately impact displaced populations and the urgent need for better disaster risk reduction measures in vulnerable communities.