AMN
Death toll from lightning and hailstorms in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand has gone up to 53. In Bihar, 23 people were killed and over a dozen injured in several parts of the state. Ten deaths have been reported from Aurangabad and Gaya districts. Remaining 13 causalities are from Katihar, Nawada, Munger, Rohtas and Sheikhpura districts.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced an ex gratia of four lakh rupees each for the families of the deceased. Several trees were uprooted, with electricity supply disrupted in the affected areas. Power supply in these areas have been partially restored. Crops, including Mango, Litchi and Banana, have been destroyed due to the hailstorm. The state government has instructed officers to assess damage caused due to hailstorm. The MeT department has forecast more thunderstorm in several parts of the state in the next 24 hours.
In Uttar Pradesh, 18 people were killed and over a dozen injured in storm, rain and lightning-related incidents during 48 hours. Central and Terai region of the state have been badly affected due to the storm. Our correspondent reports that MeT Department has issued fresh warning regarding thunderstorm, rain and bad weather for different parts of the state.
In Jharkhand, 12 people have lost their lives and 28 suffered burn injuries due to lightning. The maximum number of deaths occurred in Chatra district.