At least 11 people were killed due to lightning and thunderstorm in the eastern Indian state of Bihar, officials said Wednesday.The deaths have taken place during the past 24 hours in several parts of the state.
“In Bihar, lightning has claimed 11 lives in different parts of the state during the past 24 hours. Four deaths were reported from Saran, two each in Patna and Nawada, and one each from Lakasarai and Jamui,” a local government spokesperson said.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced a monetary relief of 5,294 U.S. dollars to each family that lost member due to lightning.
“The chief minister has expressed grief over the deaths and expressed his condolences with the bereaved families,” reads a statement from Chief Minister’s office.
Meanwhile, the chief minister has appealed people to take care during bad weather conditions and venturing out. He has also urged people to strictly follow the precautionary measures issued by the disaster management office for bad weather conditions.
Last week 83 people died due to heavy rains and lightning in the state.
At present India is in the grip of southwest monsoon and most parts are experiencing heavy to very heavy rainfall, besides extremely heavy spells at isolated spots, reports Xinhua.
