Lightning kills more than 100 in Bihar, UP and Jharkhand

In Bihar alone, the death toll in various parts of the state has risen to 56 while in Uttar Pradesh it has reached 40. Four deaths have also been reported from Jharkhand. 

Lightning struck several places including Patna, Rohtash, Kaimur, Aurangabad and Buxar districts. The State Disaster Management Department has instructed District Magistrates of the affected areas to assess the extent of damage.

Principal Secretary of the Department was quoted by agencies saying that District Magistrates have been told to send detailed reports on the natural calamity. He said, ex-gratia of four lakh rupees will be paid to the next of the kin of deceased killed in the lightning. Injured have been admitted in local hospital where free treatment is being given.

The MeT department has predicted that there will be lightning in next 48 hours in several parts of the state. It said, there will be heavy rain in northern parts of Bihar as monsoon continued to remain active. There will be rain in Southern parts of the state after 24 hours.

In Uttar Pradesh, the number of people killed in lightning and rain related incidents across the state reached 40.  Of these 24 people were reportedly killed in Varanasi and Azamgarh divisions while 11 died in Basti and Gorakhpur divisions which also included several children.

Reports of deaths were also received from various other districts. Relief operations were being undertaken in affected areas. Compensation, as per laid down norms and rules in cases of death due to natural calamities, would be paid to the families of those killed, a government spokesperson said. Azamgarh, Gonda, Amethi, Sitapur and Chitrakoot districts are among those areas experiencing moderate to heavy rain intermittently since Tuesday.

In Jharkhand, four tribals were killed in lightning at Haldia tand in Chatra district. All of them were from one family. Four others were injured in the incident and were admitted to Chatra Sadar hospital. PM Modi has expressed deep anguish over the loss of lives due to lightning in parts of UP, Bihar and other parts. In a tweet, Modi said, his thoughts and prayers were with those who lost their near and dear ones.