Storm Havoc in Nalanda: 22 Dead, Hundreds of Houses Damaged; Compensation Worth Rs 29.79 Lakh Sanctioned
Nalanda: A severe thunderstorm accompanied by heavy rain struck Nalanda district on the evening of Thursday, April 10, leading to massive devastation. The natural calamity claimed 22 lives and caused extensive damage to homes and livestock shelters across several blocks.
In response, the district administration launched swift relief operations. According to the Disaster Management Department, 500 applications for house damage compensation were received from across the district. After detailed field verification, 477 applications were approved. A total of ₹29.79 lakh will be disbursed as compensation under the disaster relief scheme.
Ex-Gratia Distributed to Families of the Deceased
Families of all 22 individuals who lost their lives in the storm have already received compensation of ₹4.24 lakh each. The administration confirmed that payments were made promptly to provide financial support during the crisis.
Biharsharif Block Worst Affected
Biharsharif emerged as the most severely affected block, recording the highest number of damage claims. A total of 264 applications were received from this area, with compensation of approximately ₹12 lakh set to be distributed among the affected residents.
Giriak block reported 84 damaged homes, including four cattle sheds and five poultry farms. Residents here will receive about ₹3.98 lakh in compensation.
Rahui block followed with 58 damaged houses, while Nursarai reported 38 houses with structural damage, including roof collapses caused by strong winds.
Other affected areas include:
- Silav and Bind: 6 houses each
- Islampur and Sarmera: 5 houses each
- Asthawan and Ekangarsarai: 3 houses each
- Parwalpur, Chandi, and Karayparsurai: 1 house each
- Qatrisarai: 2 houses
Invalid Applications from Unaffected Blocks
Interestingly, the Disaster Department reported that six blocks—Harnaut, Asthawan, Hilsa, Nagarnausa, Tharthari, and Ben—did not suffer any verified house damage. Despite this, 14 applications were received from Asthawan, all of which were rejected after verification. One application from Ben was also declared invalid.
Relief Work Continues
The district administration has assured continued support for the affected population. Survey and verification work is still underway in some remote areas to ensure that all eligible families receive aid.
