A severe bout of lightning strikes across Bihar led to the tragic loss of at least 25 lives in a single day, affecting seven districts including Nalanda, Siwan, Katihar, Darbhanga, Begusarai, Bhagalpur, and Jehanabad, according to official sources on Thursday.
The Chief Minister’s Office confirmed that Nalanda bore the heaviest toll, with 18 fatalities reported. Two people died in Siwan, while one death each was recorded in Katihar, Darbhanga, Begusarai, Bhagalpur, and Jehanabad. Expressing sorrow over the disaster, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar issued a condolence message and declared an ex-gratia compensation of Rs 4 lakh for each bereaved family.
“CM Nitish Kumar is deeply saddened by the death of 18 people in Nalanda, 2 in Siwan, 1 in Katihar, 1 in Darbhanga, 1 in Begusarai, 1 in Bhagalpur, and 1 in Jehanabad due to the severe storm and lightning… The Chief Minister has declared ex-gratia grants of Rs 4 lakh each to the dependents of the deceased,” stated a release from the CMO.
He also urged citizens to remain cautious during adverse weather and to follow all advisories issued by the Disaster Management Department. “The Chief Minister has appealed to the people that everyone should be fully alert during bad weather and follow the suggestions issued from time to time by the Disaster Management Department,” the statement further noted.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded an ‘orange alert’ for several districts, warning of potential severe weather over the coming days. The alert encompasses regions such as Darbhanga, East Champaran, Gopalganj, West Champaran, Kishanganj, Araria, Supaul, Gaya, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Nalanda, Nawada, and Patna.
The weather agency has forecast significant rainfall for Friday and Saturday, with the potential for thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching 40–50 kmph. “Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds (40–50 kmph) are likely to occur at a few places over Madhubani, Darbhanga, East Champaran, Gopalganj, West Champaran, Kishanganj, Araria, Supaul, Gaya, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Nalanda, Nawada, and Patna,” states the IMD bulletin.
As a result of the downpour on Thursday, several parts of Patna experienced water-logging, with the state capital recording 42.6 mm of rainfall until 5:30 pm.
