Staff Reporter / Patna
At least 83 people including three children were killed in lightning and thunderstorm that hit many parts of the state.
Gopalganj district reported the highest number of deaths, followed by five in Darbhanga, Siwan Madhubani and West Champaran districts.
According to an official statement put out by the department, the deaths in lighting strikes happened in 23 districts of Bihar. Gopalganj district accounting for the maximum number of casualties at 13.
Deaths have also been reported from: Nawada and Madhubani (eight each); Siwan and Bhagalpur (six each); East Champaran, Darbhanga and Banka (five each); Khagaria and Aurangabad (three each); West Champaran, Kishanganj, Jehanabad, Jamui, Purnea, Supaul, Buxar and Kaimur (two each); and Samastipur, Sheohar, Saran, Sitmarhi, Madhepura (one each), it said.
Reports from districts said more than 20 people were injured and admitted to hospital. The lightning has also caused widespread damage to houses and belongings of the residents.
CM announces Ex-gratia of Rs 4,00,000
Expressing grief over the incident, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar directed a payment of Rs 4,00,000 as ex gratia to next of the kin of each deceased.
Meanwhile, the weather department has predicted that the inclement weather could persist for some more days.
An IMD release said thunderstorms are likely to lash all the 38 districts of the state over the next few days along with ‘heavy to very heavy rainfall’ in the northern, flood-prone districts, bordering Nepal.
Kumar appealed to the people of the state to remain alert and vigilant stay indoors as far as possible during bad weather conditions. He also asked people to follow advisories issued by the Disaster Management Department in this regard.
