PATNA: This week, lightning strikes associated with monsoon storms in eastern India have tragically resulted in the deaths of at least 33 individuals, with many more injured, officials reported on Friday.
The fatalities occurred in Bihar amid severe storms that swept through the region from Wednesday to Thursday, according to a statement from the state disaster management department. Most of the victims were farmers and laborers working outdoors.
Forecasters predict additional heavy rain and lightning for various areas of the state.
Bihar’s disaster management minister, Vijay Kumar Mandal, informed AFP that officials in high-risk districts were instructed to “raise awareness about taking precautionary measures following a lightning alert.”
The state government has offered compensation of 4 million rupees (approximately $4,600) to the families of those who lost their lives due to lightning strikes.
According to state officials, at least 243 people died from lightning in 2024, with 275 fatalities the previous year.
Annual floods in India’s eastern region, including Bihar, commonly lead to numerous deaths and displace hundreds of thousands during the peak monsoon season.