NEW DELHI, Sept 21 (NNN-PTI) – Lightnings and heavy rains have caused a total of 36 deaths in India’s eastern state of Bihar, in the past 24 hours, the state-run broadcaster, All India Radio reported, yesterday.
Heavy rains and thunderstorms, accompanied by lightning strikes, lashed the state in the past 24 hours, affecting 12 districts, including Araria, Purnea, Supaul, Saharsa, Nawada, Jamui, Begusarai and Sheikhpura.
“In Bihar, the number of casualties due to lightning, thunderstorm and rain-related incidents during the last 24 hours, in different parts of the state has gone up to 36,” the report said, adding that, 13 people, including eight children were also injured.
The report said, the rains and thunderstorms uprooted several trees and electric poles, disrupting electricity supply in several parts of the state.
According to the report, most of the dead were farmers working in the fields.
Bihar Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, urged residents to be vigilant and remain indoors during lightnings, and to follow suggestions issued by the disaster management department.
Earlier this month, 17 people were killed due to lightnings in the state.
In June and July, over 60 people were killed in lightning strikes across the state.
Every year, in the monsoon season, hundreds of people die due to lightnings.
