Lightning strikes kill 33 people in Indian state of Bihar

Lightning strikes during monsoon storms in eastern India this week killed at least 33 people and injured dozens, officials said on Friday.

The deaths in the Indian state of Bihar occurred during fierce storms between Wednesday and Thursday, a state disaster management department statement said, with the victims mostly farmers and labourers working in the open.

More heavy rain and lightning are forecast for parts of the state.

Bihar state's disaster management minister, Vijay Kumar Mandal, told AFP that officials in vulnerable districts had been directed to "create awareness to take precautionary steps following an alert on lightning."

The state government announced compensation of 4 million rupees ($4,600) to the families of those killed by lightning.

At least 243 died by lightning in 2024 and 275 the year earlier, according to the state government.

India's eastern region, including Bihar, is prone to annual floods that kill dozens and displace hundreds of thousands of people during peak monsoon season.

The Meteorological Department on Friday issued a warning of heavy rainfall in West Champaran, Gopalganj, and Siwan over the next 24 hours, along with the possibility of strong winds (30-40 km/h) and lightning in north-central Bihar.

In the past 24 hours, Bhagwanpur in Kaimur recorded the highest rainfall at 160.4 mm.

Districts such as Vaishali, Rohtas, Aurangabad, and Madhubani also received good rainfall, helping bring down temperatures across the state.

A dense cloud cover in many areas during the evening created near-night conditions, making the weather pleasant.

According to the Meteorological Centre, Patna, a low-pressure area formed around southeast Uttar Pradesh and southwest Bihar is moving northwest.

This will further activate the rain system in Bihar from July 20 to 23, increasing the chances of widespread rainfall across the state.

Monsoon havoc has intensified, with continuous heavy rain over the last three to four days leading to rising river water levels, waterlogging, and flood-like conditions in several districts.

Tragically, 19 people lost their lives in lightning incidents across 10 districts on Thursday.

In Nalanda, 5 individuals lost their lives after they came under the impact of lightning strikes.

As many as 4 persons were also killed in Vaishali, 2 each in Banka and Patna and 1 each in Sheikhpura, Nawada, Jamui, Aurangabad, Samastipur and Jehanabad districts.

Additionally, 2 women suffered burn injuries in lightning incidents.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families and announced an ex-gratia of Rs400,000 each for the kin of the deceased.

He has directed the Disaster Management Department to expedite relief and rehabilitation efforts across affected districts.

Indo-Asian News Service