At least nine people were killed in lightning strikes in six districts of Bihar between Friday and Saturday.
The lightning deaths were reported from Jehanabad, Madhepura, East Champaran, Rohtas, Saran, and Supaul districts. According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) on Saturday, Jehanabad district reported three deaths, followed by two in Madhepura, one each in East Champaran, Rohtas, Saran, and Supaul.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed grief on Saturday and directed the concerned officials to provide Rs 4 lakh ex gratia to the deceased’s next of kin. The chief minister appealed to people to stay indoors during inclement weather and urged them to follow the advice issued by the disaster management department.
Rise in water levels
Water levels in different rivers in Bihar have started rising at several places due to torrential rain in the last 24 hours, officials said on Saturday.
Light to moderate rain has been recorded in Banka, Begusarai, Bhagalpur, Bhojpur, Buxar, Gaya, Jehanabad, Kaimur, Katihar, Khagaria, Munger, Nalanda, Patna, Nawada, Purnea, Saran, Sheikhpura, Siwan, and Vaishali since July 4, according to the latest rainfall bulletin issued by the water resources department.
People living in low-lying areas of East and West Champaran districts have been moved to safer places, they said.