Bihar Rains: Lightning strikes claimed the lives of eight individuals in Bihar within the last 24 hours, according to an official release on Friday. The incidents occurred across four districts, with the state capital Patna and Aurangabad each reporting three deaths, followed by one death each in Nawada and Saran, the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) confirmed.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed his condolences and announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh to the families of the deceased. He urged residents to heed advisories issued by the Disaster Management Department. On Thursday, 12 more fatalities were reported due to lightning in four other districts of the state, according to news agency PTI.
"Deaths due to lightning strikes in Patna (3), Aurangabad (3), Nawada (1), and Saran (1) are tragic. Immediate compensation of Rs 4 lakh has been directed for the families of the deceased. People are urged to exercise caution during bad weather and follow the guidelines issued by the Disaster Management Department. Stay indoors and stay safe during adverse weather conditions," Nitish Kumar stated on social media platform X.
Bihar Rains: 'Red Alert' In 9 Districts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday issued a 'red alert' for extremely heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning over the next 36 hours in nine districts of Bihar. An 'orange alert' was also issued for districts including Arwal, Begusarai, Bhagalpur, Gaya, Jamui, Jehanabad, Kaimur, Katihar, Khagaria, Lakhisarai, Munger, Nalanda, Nawada, Rohtas, and Sheikhpura, PTI reported.
The IMD bulletin detailed that extremely heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning is expected in Aurangabad, Banka, Bhagalpur, Gaya, Jamui, Katihar, Munger, Nawada, and Rohtas districts over the next two to three days. The red alert signifies 'take action,' while the orange alert indicates 'be prepared.' A 'yellow alert' was also issued for heavy rainfall over the next four to five days in Katihar, Rohtas, Aurangabad, and Gaya districts.
"Thunderstorms and lightning with gusting wind speeds of 30-40 kmph are likely to occur at isolated places across most of the state over the next four to five days," the bulletin added. The state government has advised residents to stay informed with weather-related updates and take necessary precautions.