At least 33 died, and dozens of others were injured after lightning struck during fierce monsoon storms in the eastern Indian state of Bihar, officials said on Friday. The deaths are reported to have happened between Wednesday and Thursday; mostly among farmers and workers, who had to work outdoors during the storms, as it was stated by the State Disaster Management Department.
This fatal lightning was associated with a harsh weather condition that swept the area, leading to heavy precipitation and thunderstorms. According to the meteorological officials, excess rain and lightning are likely to be experienced in various regions of the state in the next few days, and people should be alert.
In Bihar, Vijay Kumar Mandal, Disaster Management Minister, asserted that authorities in lightning-vulnerable districts have been told to create awareness and inform people about precaution measures during a lightning strike. Local campaigns and public announcements are being intensified in order to avoid more casualties.
Through its reactions to these heart-rending deaths, the state government has declared a ₹4 lakh (about 4,600 dollars) amount to be paid by way of compensation to the family of each of those killed. The action will relieve the financial burden of individuals who are faced with the unexpected loss of a loved one.
Deaths caused by lightning are quite ordinary in Bihar, especially during the monsoon season. The government statistics indicate that lightning killed 243 individuals in 2024, whereas 275 individuals in 2023 died because of such accidents.
Eastern states of India, such as Bihar, in particular, are the most susceptible during the times of monsoon, as there are constant instances of floods and lightning that often lead to the loss of lives, as well as leave thousands of families homeless. The government is still on a keen observation and it has requested people to remain inside their homes during thunderstorms and keep away from water-bodies and open fields.
Join our whatsapp group for Latest updates
Click Here for Chhattisgarh News
Click Here for Entertainment News