At least 25 people lost their lives in lightning strikes and hailstorms across multiple districts of Bihar on Thursday, April 10, according to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO). Thirteen of these deaths were caused by lightning in four districts.
Nalanda was the worst-affected district, recording 18 deaths, followed by Siwan with two, and one each in Katihar, Darbhanga, Begusarai, Bhagalpur, and Jehanabad.
Expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar extended deep condolences over the deaths that occurred due to lightning and hailstorms. He also announced an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased.
A similar pattern of deaths was observed on Wednesday, April 9, when 13 people were reported dead, five in Begusarai, four in Darbhanga, three in Madhubani, and one in Samastipur, due to lightning.
The official statement on April 9 read, “Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is deeply saddened by the death of 5 persons in Begusarai, 4 in Darbhanga, 3 in Madhubani and 1 in Samastipur due to lightning and has expressed his deep condolences to the affected families.”
“The Chief Minister said that he is with the affected families in this hour of disaster. The Chief Minister has directed to immediately give an ex-gratia grant of four lakh rupees to the families of all the deceased,” it added.
‘Orange Alert’ In Several Districts
In light of the continuing adverse weather and an orange alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for several districts, Kumar urged residents to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines provided by the Disaster Management Department.
“The Chief Minister has appealed to the people to be fully alert during bad weather. In case of bad weather, follow the suggestions issued from time to time by the Disaster Management Department to protect against lightning. Stay indoors and stay safe during bad weather,” the official statement further read.
IMD has issued an ‘orange alert’ (be prepared) for a number of districts, including Darbhanga, Gopalganj, East Champaran, West Champaran, Kishanganj, Araria, Supaul, Gaya, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Nalanda, Nawada, and Patna. Heavy rainfall on Friday and Saturday in these districts was also predicted.
“Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds (40-50 kmph) likely to occur at a few places over Madhubani, Darbhanga, East Champaran, Gopalganj, West Champaran, Kishanganj, Araria, Supaul, Gaya, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Nalanda, Nawada, Patna,” the IMD stated in a bulletin.
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