At least 33 people have died and dozens more have been injured in eastern India’s Bihar state due to lightning strikes during fierce monsoon storms this week. The majority of the victims were farmers and laborers working outdoors when the strikes occurred, with the state government announcing compensation for the families of the deceased.
Lightning strikes in Bihar, India, have claimed the lives of 33 people over the course of two days as violent monsoon storms swept through the region between Wednesday and Thursday. The victims were predominantly farmers and laborers who were working outdoors when the strikes occurred, according to a statement from the state’s disaster management department.
In response to the devastating losses, Bihar’s disaster management minister, Vijay Kumar Mandal, confirmed that efforts would be made to raise awareness about safety measures in vulnerable districts. He emphasized that precautionary steps were being taken following alerts about lightning risks.
The state government has announced compensation of 4 million rupees ($4,600) for the families of those killed in the lightning strikes. The incident adds to a grim toll from previous years; in 2024 alone, at least 243 people were killed by lightning, and 275 in 2023.
Authorities have also issued warnings of continued heavy rains and lightning in parts of the state, with more adverse weather expected. Bihar, which is prone to annual floods during the peak monsoon season, often faces similar tragedies, as the storms cause widespread damage and disrupt daily life.
This tragedy highlights the risks faced by rural workers in the region and the need for improved weather awareness and safety precautions during the monsoon season.
