A video that has gone viral on social media shows a girl narrowly escaping a lightning strike while making a reel on her neighbour’s terrace in Sitamarhi, Bihar. In the video, Sania Kumari can be seen dancing in the rain on her neighbour Devnarayan Bhagat's roof in Sirsia Bazar, Parihar. As her friend recorded the moment, a bolt of lightning struck nearby. Fortunately, Sania was not hit directly and escaped unscathed.
Active monsoon season
The incident occurred amid heavy rainfall in Bihar. The Indian Meteorological Department has forecasted continued rainfall for the district, with daily precipitation ranging from five to twenty millimeters over the next four to five days. This weather is beneficial for local farmers, aiding in paddy transplantation and reviving other crops such as maize, moong, and sugarcane.
Eight killed by lightning in Bihar within 24 hours
At least eight people have died due to lightning strikes across six districts in Bihar within the last 24 hours, officials reported on June 26. The affected districts include Bhagalpur, Munger, Jamui, East Champaran, West Champaran, and Araria.
Chief Minister's response
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed his sorrow over the fatalities and announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh for the families of each deceased. The Chief Minister's Office (CMO) confirmed that Bhagalpur and Munger each reported two deaths, while Jamui, East Champaran, West Champaran, and Araria reported one death each.
Appeal for caution
In his statement, CM Kumar urged residents to exercise caution during adverse weather conditions and adhere to guidelines issued by the Disaster Management Department. "Stay at home and stay safe in bad weather," he advised.
IMD weather forecast
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted widespread light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds (30–40 kmph) over East Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Gangetic West Bengal for the next five days.
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