Ten killed in lightning and rain in Bihar

Patna: At least 10 people were killed in thunderstorm, lightning and rain in Bihar since Friday, officials said on Sunday.

Three persons each died in Khagaria and Banka while two died in Jamui and one each in Buxar and Begusarai districts in thunderstorm, lightning and rain which hit the state on Friday and Saturday, the officials said. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday expressed grief over the death of 10 people in past 48 hours due to thunderstorm, lightning and rains in the state, an official release said.

He announced the payment of Rs 4 lakh to each of the victim's families as ex-gratia.

"The chief minister has expressed grief over the deaths of people in thunderstorm, lightning and rains on Friday and Saturday in the state," the release said adding that the "CM has also announced the payment of Rs 4 lakh to each of the victim's families as ex-gratia immediately''.

The payment would be made from Disaster Relief Fund to the dependents of those killed in the thunderstorm, lightning and rain, it said.