New Delhi (IT): Lightning strikes killed 56 people including two children in various parts of Bihar on Tuesday evening. About 42 persons too were reportedly killed in lightning strikes in Uttar Pradesh
While showers were expected to be a breather for people from the sweltering heat, several parts of Bihar were in a state of gloom following the storm and heavy rainfall.
"As many as 46 persons were killed and eight injured in the lightning strikes across the state. Two persons have been critically injured following the lightning strikes," said Principal Secretary of Disaster management Vyas Ji.
In Patna four people died and eight persons were injured in lightning strikes late on Tuesday evening. Deaths due to lightning were reported from Dumri, Bindol and Roniya villages in Patna.
STORM RAVAGED SEVERAL HOMES
Sahrsa, Purnia, and Katihar districts of the state reported 10 deaths due to lightning. While two children died in Samastipur, three persons were killed in Chhapra. The storm before rains ravaged several homes in Arrah killing two persons.
Five persons including a girl student were killed and eight others were injured due to lightning strikes in Rohtas district of Bihar. Eight persons suffered severe injuries in Kaimoor district. While four persons died in Aurangabad, two persons each were reportedly killed in lightning in Nalanda and Baksar region.
Along with lightning strikes, the state also witnessed heavy showers on Tuesday evening. Purnia district recorded the maximum rainfall at 83.7mm, while Patna registered 17.2 mm, Gaya 32.6 mm and Bhagalpur recorded 25.7 mm rainfall.
HEAVY RAINFALL EXPECTED ACROSS THE STATE
"Incessant rains are expected to hit South Bihar in the next 24 hours. Several parts of North Bihar will witness heavy rainfall this monsoon season, "said Director State Meteorological Department AK Sen
Indian Meteorological Department has issued an alert in Supaul, Araria, Kishanganj, Saharsa, Madhepura, Siwan, Saran, Gopal ganj districts in North Bihar. West and east parts of Champaran have been alerted about the impending rains. The state government has also alerted the disaster management department and various districts authorities across the state.
The state government has announced Rs 4 lakh compensation to the kin of the deceased. "The death toll is expected to rise," said Disaster management minister Chandrashekhar.