A viral video has captured the moment a Bihar girl dancing in the monsoon rain narrowly missed being struck by lightning on her terrace in Sitamarhi, Bihar. The video was captured as the girl was filming herself dancing in the rain, reportedly for an Instagram reel.
The 11-second video shows the girl, identified as Saniya Kumari, dancing on the terrace of her house amid heavy rain when suddenly a bolt of lightning lands in the background and hits a neighbour's terrace, terrifyingly close to where the girl was. Reacting quickly, she ran off the terrace.
Between Tuesday and Wednesday, at least eight people died after being struck by lightning in six districts of Bihar, PTI cited official estimates as saying. The deaths occurred in Bhagalpur, Munger, Jamui, East Champaran, West Champaran, and Araria districts.
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Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed condolences, and his office announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh each for the victims' families.
A statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office said that Bhagalpur and Munger recorded two deaths each, while Jamui, East Champaran, West Champaran, and Araria reported one death each.
The Chief Minister also requested the public to remain cautious during severe weather and adhere to the Disaster Management Department's guidelines. "Stay at home and stay safe in bad weather," he advised.
Deaths Due To Lighting In Odisha And UP
On Wednesday, a 52-year-old man was killed in UP's Budaun after being struck by lightning while he was sleeping on the roof of his house, police said on Thursday. PTI cited a police report as saying that the incident took place at night in the Gandholi village of Bilsi area.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate Pravardhan Sharma has assured the family of the deceased, Chokhelal, of financial in line with the norms.
In Odisha, meanwhile, at least five persons died due to lightning strikes at different places in Bargarh and Bolangir districts on Wednesday, police said.
While three persons died in a lightning strike at Duanadihi village in Bargarh, two others lost their lives at Chaulbanji village in Bolangir.
CM Mohan Charan Majhi has declared an ex gratia amount of Rs 4 lakh each for the next of kin of the deceased, an official release said.
