PATNA, July 18 (Alliance News): At least 33 people have been killed and dozens injured in Bihar after severe lightning strikes hit the eastern Indian state during intense monsoon storms this week, local officials confirmed on Friday.
According to a statement from Bihar’s disaster management department, the lightning fatalities occurred between Wednesday and Thursday, with most victims being farmers and daily wage labourers caught outdoors during the storms.
The state is now bracing for more heavy rain and lightning in the coming days, as weather authorities have issued fresh alerts.
Disaster Management Minister Vijay Kumar Mandal stated that vulnerable districts have been ordered to initiate public awareness campaigns and promote safety measures.
“People must avoid working in open fields during lightning alerts,” he told foreign media, emphasizing the importance of timely precautions.
The Bihar government has announced financial compensation of 400,000 rupees (around $4,600) to the families of each deceased victim.
The state has recorded 243 lightning-related deaths so far in 2024, following 275 such deaths last year, highlighting the persistent danger posed by extreme weather events during India’s monsoon season.
Bihar, along with other eastern Indian states, faces recurring natural disasters during the monsoon months, including devastating floods and storms that claim lives and displace hundreds of thousands annually.
