Lightning strikes kill 25 people in Bihar, CM announces 4 lakh ex-gratia for victims

NEW DELHI: The lightning strikes in Bihar killed at least 25 people from seven districts- Nalanda, Siwan, Katihar, Darbhanga, Begusarai, and Jehanabad on Thursday, officials said.

According to the chief minister's office (CMO), in Nalanda, 18 deaths were reported, followed by two in Siwan, one each in Katihar, Darbhanga, Begusarai, Bhagalpur, and Jehanabad.

Chief minister Nitish Kumar condoled the deaths and announced an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh each for the next of kin of the deceased, it said.


"CM Nitish Kumar is deeply saddened by the death of 18 people in Nalanda, 2 in Siwan, 1 in Katihar, 1 in Darbhanga, 1 in Begusarai, 1 in Bhagalpur and 1 in Jehanabad due to severe storm and lightning... The Chief Minister has declared ex-gratia grants of Rs 4 lakh each to the dependents of the deceased. The Chief Minister has appealed to the people that everyone should be fully alert during bad weather and follow the suggestions issued from time to time by the Disaster Management Department," CMO said.

The India Meteorological Department has declared an 'orange alert' (be prepared) across several districts in Bihar, including Darbhanga, East Champaran, Gopalganj, West Champaran, Kishanganj, Araria, Supaul, Gaya, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Nalanda, Nawada and Patna.

The department predicts substantial rainfall for these districts on Friday and Saturday.

"Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds (40-50 kmph) likely to occur at few places over Madhubani, Darbhanga, East Champaran, Gopalganj, West Champaran, Kishanganj, Araria, Supaul, Gaya, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Nalanda, Nawada, Patna," states the IMD bulletin.

Following heavy precipitation on Thursday, numerous areas in Patna experienced water-logging. The state capital registered 42.6 mm rainfall until 5.30 pm.