Lightning claims 5 lives in Khagaria

Patna: Five people were killed and nine others injured after lightning struck at two locations in Khagaria district on Thursday morning, officials said.The incidents occurred around 8am. In Beldaur block, lightning killed Kush Kumar, 17, and Jawahar Sharma, 35. In Gogri block, three residents of Baltara village — Vidyanand Yadav, 73, Ashutosh Yadav, 30, and his son Ankesh Kumar, 11 — also died after being struck.Gogri sub-divisional magistrate Rajkumar said the families of the deceased had been provided ex gratia assistance of Rs 4 lakh each through the circle officers.A senior district administration official said nine others were injured in the incidents. Five are undergoing treatment at the Sadar Hospital, one is being treated at a private facility and the remaining injured are also receiving medical care. All are reported to be in stable condition and are expected to be discharged soon.Following the deaths, the administration urged residents to remain alert during adverse weather conditions. People have been advised to avoid working in open fields or taking shelter under trees during thunderstorms and to move to safe structures when lightning is anticipated.The IMD has issued a warning for heavy rain, strong winds and lightning in the coming days for Khagaria and several other districts, including Araria, Begusarai, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Madhepura, Madhubani, Muzaffarpur, Purnia, Saharsa, Samastipur, Saran, Sheohar, Sitamarhi, Siwan, Supaul, Vaishali and West Champaran.