Hailstorms and Lightning Kill 61 in Bihar; IMD Forecasts More Thunderstorms This Week

Hailstorms and Lightning Kill 61 in Bihar: At least 61 people have reportedly died in rain-ambushed disaster incidents in Bihar amid heavy lightning strikes and hailstorms, news agency PTI said, citing officials on Friday.

39 were reported dead in hailstorms and rain-related incidents, while 22 others fell victim to lightning strikes, with Thursday constituting the deadline for enumerating these victims.

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A press release issued by the Disaster Management Department in the state of Bihar stated on Friday said, "The death toll due to lightning strikes, hailstorms and rain-related incidents on Thursday climbed to 61 in several districts in Bihar."

14 deaths apologized for in an incident were reported in these districts: Nalanda with 23; Bhojpur with 6, Siwan, Gaya, Patna, and Sheikhpura with 4 each, Jamui with 3, and 2 in Jehanabad; Gopalganj, Muzaffarpur, Arwal, Darbhanga, Begusarai, Saharsa, Katihar, Lakhisarai, Nawada, and Bhagalpur have one death each.

The lightning strikes and hailstorms damaged a substantial number of houses.

Days before, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar had expressed grief for the loss of life in the incident and declared that ex-gratia assistance of ₹ 4 lakh would be given to the next of kin of the deceased.

As indicated in the Bihar Economic Survey 2024-25 Report, 5% of the Budget was tabled in the state assembly during the Budget session in February, said, "The state witnessed 275 lightning/thunderstorm related deaths in 2023. Among the districts, the highest number of deaths were reported in Rohtas (25), Gaya (21), Aurangabad (19), Jamui (17), and Madhepura and Bhagalpur (16 each)."

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Bihar weather forecast

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for heavy rain likely to occur over Bihar on Thursday. "Thunderstorm with lightning and gusty wind at 40-50 kmph likely to occur at few places over Kishanganj, Araria and Purnea districts," the forecast said.

Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds are expected at a few places over the Southeastern parts and Katihar & Supaul districts.

Such conditions are likely again at one or two places in the districts of Eastern Bihar on Sunday and Monday.

From 14 to 15 April, isolated places over Central, Eastern, South-Central, North-Central, and South Western parts of the state are predicted to receive thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds.

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