Patna, May 5: Severe weather in Bihar has wreaked havoc over the past 24 hours, resulting in the deaths of more than 20 people due to storms, heavy rainfall, and lightning strikes. Many others have sustained injuries.
The districts most affected include East Champaran, Gaya, and Aurangabad. In response, the Chief Minister’s office has announced a compensation of ₹4 lakh for the families of the deceased.
This sudden change in weather followed a day of extreme heat and humidity. By late Monday afternoon, dark clouds rolled in, and by evening, heavy storms accompanied by lightning swept across large parts of the state.
Reports of damage to life and property have emerged from several districts. In Patna, two people died due to fallen trees and collapsing walls during the flooding, while five fatalities were reported in East Champaran.
In Gaya, three deaths were recorded across the district, and lightning strikes claimed three lives in Aurangabad. Additional reports of damage have come in from Vaishali (1), Sitamarhi (2), and Bhojpur (1).
In Sitamarhi, two women, Rakiba Khatun and Nikhat Parveen, lost their lives when a power pole fell during the storm. One individual, Ghulam Hussain, was seriously injured and is currently receiving treatment.
Residents are expressing significant anger over the situation, accusing the electricity department of negligence in maintaining infrastructure.
In Rohtas, 25-year-old Balwant Paswan died at his workplace after being struck by lightning, while four others were injured.
A major accident was narrowly avoided at the Ajmanagar station under the Katihar railway division when a large branch fell on a 25,000-volt overhead wire, causing a fire. Panic ensued among passengers as smoke spread across the platform.
Train number 55708 (Katihar-Radhikapur Passenger) was halted for nearly an hour before railway officials managed to control the situation and resume operations.
The widespread damage has disrupted daily life; fallen trees and power poles have blocked roads, and power supply has been interrupted in many areas for hours.
The India Meteorological Department had issued an alert earlier in the day, warning of storms, rainfall, and lightning across Bihar. Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines, as adverse weather conditions may persist.
Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
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