AMN/ WEB DESK
The death toll has climbed to 13 due to incidents of lightning during rains and thunders today in Bihar. A maximum of five casualties occurred in the Begusarai district, followed by three in the Madhubani district. Two deaths have been reported from Darbhanga and one from Samastipur also.
Official sources said five people succumbed to death in separate incidents during rains in the Balia, Bhagwanpur, Matihani, and Sahebpur Kamal areas in the Begusarai district. Four people were injured during these incidents.
Three casualties occurred in Jhanjharpur in the Madhubani district when lightning struck people working outside their homes.
The Met. Department has issued an alert for inclement weather with rain, thunderstorms and lightning activities in the Eastern and Northern parts of the state today. Patna, Darbhanga, Sheohar, Sitamarhi, Khagaria and several other rivers received rainfall today.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has expressed grief over the loss of lives in the incidents. Mr Kumar has asked officials to provide an ex-gratia of four lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased. He appealed to people not to venture out during rains and thundering activities. Disaster Management Minister Vijay Kumar Mandal has also expressed grief over the casualties in the state due to lightning.