In eastern India this week, at least 33 people have died and dozens more have been injured due to lightning strikes during monsoon storms, officials confirmed on Friday.
The fatalities in Bihar occurred amid intense storms between Wednesday and Thursday, according to a statement from the state disaster management department. The victims were predominantly farmers and laborers working outdoors.
Further heavy rainfall and lightning are forecasted for certain areas of the state.
Vijay Kumar Mandal, Bihar state’s disaster management minister, informed AFP that officials in vulnerable districts have been instructed to “raise awareness about taking precautionary steps following a lightning alert.”
The state government has announced compensation of 4 million rupees ($4,600) for the families of those killed by lightning.
According to state government data, at least 243 people died from lightning in 2024, and 275 the year prior.
India’s eastern region, including Bihar, is susceptible to annual floods that claim dozens of lives and displace hundreds of thousands during the peak monsoon season.
