Lightning claims over 50 lives in Bihar, several injured
The casualty is expected to rise as reports from the remote areas are yet to reach the state capital.
Patna: Lightning strikes killed more than 50 people in Bihar in the past 24 hours as monsoon clouds lashed the state with heavy rains, thunder and lightening on Tuesday.
The disaster management team, which is trying to fetch details from the affected district, said that the rural areas of the state were in a bad condition. The state government later announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh for relatives of the deceased.
Speaking on the issue, principal secretary of disaster management department said, “We are still waiting for final reports from affected districts. Only then will we be able to say anything regarding the final death toll”.
According to reports, deaths due to lightning strike in Bihar were highest ever on Tuesday. While six persons were killed in various parts of Patna district, five others died in Buxar district, he said. Nalanda, Bhojpur, Rohtas, Kaimur, Aurangabad, Purnea registered four deaths each, while Katihar, Saharsa and Saran districts recorded three human fatalities each.
Bhagalpur, Munger, Samastipur districts recorded two deaths each, while Banka, Madhepura, Muzaffarpur and West Champaran districts registered one death each and three more deaths were reported from other areas.
In addition, 24 other persons sustained injuries in lightning in various districts, he said, adding that 13 cattle also perished.
Patna and other parts of the state experienced heavy lashes of rain, thunder and lightning as monsoon entered Bihar Tuesday evening.