Bihar: Lightning kills 83 in single day

At least, 83 people lost their lives in Bihar while 30 others were injured during lightning and thunderstorms that struck several districts on Thursday.

More than 15 cattle were reportedly killed in one of the districts Khagaria. Properties in various districts have been damaged as well.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi through a tweet expressed his condolences to the bereaved and said, "In some districts of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, heavy rains and lightning caused the death of many people. The state governments are engaged in relief work with promptness. I express my condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives in this disaster".

The Disaster Management Principal Secretary, Pratyaya Amrit, in an official release said, "13 people died in Gopalganj, eight each lost their lives in Madhubani and Nawada, six each in Siwan and Bhagalpur, 5 each in East Champaran, Darbhanga and Banka, three each in Khagaria and Aurangabad, two each in West Champaran, Kishanganj, Jehanabad, Jamui, Purnia, Supaul, Buxar and Kaimur and one each in Samastipur, Sheohar, Saran, Sitamarhi and Madhepura".

Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar announced a compensation of rupees four lakh each for the kin of the deceased and proper treatment for the injured. The secretariat said monetary help to those who had lost animals and cattle will also be extended. He has further asked people to follow safety norms and guidelines during bad weather conditions by the disaster management department.