Bihar Monsoon Brings Relief and Tragedy: Lightning Strikes Claim 8 Lives
Monsoon rains bring relief to drought-stricken Bihar, but lightning strikes claim 8 lives. CM announces compensation, weather department issues warnings. Get monsoon safety tips.
Patna: The arrival of the monsoon in Bihar has brought a double-edged sword: much-needed rain but also a devastating rise in lightning strikes. Over the past 24 hours, eight people have lost their lives across various districts due to thunderstorms and lightning.
Bhagalpur and Munger bore the brunt of the tragedy, with two fatalities reported in each district. Casualties were also reported in Jamui, East Champaran, West Champaran, and Araria, with one death each.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹4 lakh to the families of each deceased. He expressed deep condolences and urged the administration to provide all necessary assistance to the affected families.
Monsoon's Devastating Side
While the recent rainfall offers relief to drought-stricken areas, it has also triggered a surge in lightning-related deaths. This has prompted the state weather department to issue warnings for heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning across various districts. Local authorities have been advised to take precautionary measures and disseminate public advisories.
Among the victims is a 10-year-old boy from East Champaran who was struck by lightning while returning from the fields with his mother. In a separate incident in West Champaran, Mamata Devi died after heavy rain caused a door to collapse, injuring her niece.
Munger district reported the deaths of Baunu Yadav, who succumbed to a lightning strike, and Dinesh Singh, who died while returning from the Ganges.
Similarly, farmer Sanjeev Das and another unidentified farmer lost their lives to lightning strikes in Bhagalpur district.
Safety During Monsoon
With the monsoon season in full swing, authorities have urged citizens to exercise caution during thunderstorms. People are advised to avoid seeking shelter under trees or tall structures during lightning strikes. Local media outlets are also playing a crucial role in disseminating safety advisories and raising awareness about lightning dangers.
