NEW DELHI: At least 25 people lost their lives due to lightning strikes across seven districts of Bihar on Thursday, according to state officials.
The highest number of casualties was reported from Nalanda district, where 18 people died. Other districts affected include Siwan (2 deaths), and Katihar, Darbhanga, Begusarai, Bhagalpur, and Jehanabad, each reporting one death, according to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).
Expressing grief over the incident, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹4 lakh for the families of each deceased person.
“The Chief Minister is deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to severe storms and lightning. He has directed that ₹4 lakh be provided to the next of kin of each deceased,” the CMO said in a statement. Kumar also urged citizens to remain vigilant during adverse weather and to follow safety guidelines issued by the Disaster Management Department.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an ‘orange alert’ (signifying preparedness) for several districts in the state, including Darbhanga, East Champaran, Gopalganj, West Champaran, Kishanganj, Araria, Supaul, Gaya, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Nalanda, Nawada, and Patna.
The IMD has forecast thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40–50 km/h in parts of these districts on Friday and Saturday.
Following heavy rainfall on Thursday, several areas of Patna experienced waterlogging. The state capital recorded 42.6 mm of rainfall until 5:30 p.m., officials said.
