In multiple cases, seven people have lost their lives due to lightning strikes in six districts of Bihar in the last 24 hours, the officials said on Monday.
According to the statement issued by the office of the Chief Minister (CMO), two people died of lightning in Aurangabad while 1 each died in Bhagalpur, Buxar, Bhojpur, Rohtas and Darbhanga.
Taking note of the deaths, state Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has expressed grief over the deaths and announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh to the families of the deceased. Meanwhile, he also appealed to people to remain alert and follow Disaster Management Department advisories.
Similar incident caused eight other deaths
In a similar incident at least eight people were killed after being struck by lightning in six districts of Bihar, an official said on June 26. The deaths were reported in the 24 hours from Bhagalpur, Munger, Jamui, East Champaran, West Champaran and Araria districts.
According to the CMO statement, the Bhagalpur and Munger districts had reported two deaths each, followed by one death each in Jamui, East Champaran, West Champaran and Araria districts.
According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh was announced for the next of kin of each deceased.
Rainfall in Bihar
Notably, the southwest monsoon has hit the entire country causing massive downpours in various parts. On June 29, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an Orange alert for 23 states including Bihar. Moreover, in Bihar, the weather department had also issued a heavy rain alert for several districts, including West Champaran, East Champaran, Kishanganj, Sitamarhi, Shivhar, Madhubani, Supaul and Araria.
ALSO READ | Bihar: Eight die in 24 hours as lightning strikes in parts of state, CM Nitish Kumar announces ex-gratia
