Lightning strikes kill 33 people in Bihar

Lightning strikes during monsoon storms in eastern India this week killed at least 33 people and injured dozens, officials said Friday.

The deaths in Bihar occurred during fierce storms between Wednesday and Thursday, a state disaster management department statement said.

More heavy rain and lightning are forecast for parts of the state.

Local officials announced the news, specifying that dozens of people were injured.

Bihar state disaster management minister Vijay Kumar Mandal said officials in affected districts had been instructed to "sensitize the public to take precautions after a lightning warning." The state government announced compensation of 4 million rupees ($4,600) for the families of those killed by lightning.

At least 243 people have died from lightning in 2024 and 275 last year, according to state government statistics. The eastern region of India, including Bihar, is prone to annual floods that kill dozens and displace hundreds of thousands during the peak monsoon season.

Source: Agencies