Patna: At least 11 people lost their lives across Bihar on Tuesday after thunderstorms, rain and lightning struck several districts, even as the state continued to reel under severe heat and humidity despite the arrival of the monsoon.
According to reports, the highest number of fatalities was recorded in Bhagalpur district, where five people died in separate incidents. Three deaths were reported from Banka, while one person each died in Munger, Katihar and Begusarai.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for heatwave conditions in 14 districts of Bihar. The department has warned that hot and dry weather is likely to persist across most parts of the state for the next 48 to 72 hours, with maximum temperatures expected to rise by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius.
Residents have been advised to avoid stepping out during afternoon hours, stay hydrated and take precautions against prolonged exposure to the sun.
11 Killed in Lightning and Storm-Related Incidents
After a day of intense heat, weather conditions changed abruptly on Tuesday evening as strong winds and heavy rain swept through several districts. During the storm, lightning strikes and weather-related incidents claimed 11 lives.
In Bhagalpur district, Lal Mohar Yadav (45) of Kahalgaon Tola in Pirpainti and Mulo Mandal (40) of Mohanpur village were grazing cattle in Bahiyara when they were struck by lightning during rainfall. Sudhir Yadav (43), a resident of Khairpur in Kharik block, also died after being struck by lightning while grazing livestock.
Another fatality in Bhagalpur occurred on the Vikramshila Setu bridge, where a milk vendor was killed after a pole collapsed during heavy rain. Following the incident, angry family members and local residents staged a road blockade on the Tilkamanjhi-Sarai main road for nearly two hours before police and administrative officials persuaded them to disperse.
In Begusarai’s Ballia police station area, 32-year-old Saurabh Kumar alias Ramtahal of Vishnupur village died after being struck by lightning during heavy rainfall. Another youth reportedly died after a lightning strike while working in a field.
In Munger district, a young man identified as Suman from Bilia village under Shampur police station limits died after being struck by lightning near Rishikund.
Schools Closed in Muzaffarpur Till June 27
Amid continuing heatwave conditions, Muzaffarpur District Magistrate Kumar Gaurav has ordered the suspension of academic activities in all government, private and pre-primary schools from June 24 to June 27.
Under the order, regular classes up to Class VIII will remain suspended. However, classes above Class VIII may continue only until 10 am during the period.
Heatwave Conditions Persist
Despite the monsoon’s arrival in Bihar, residents continue to face scorching temperatures and oppressive humidity. During the past 24 hours, rainfall was reported only in parts of Bhagalpur and Munger districts.
Kaimur and Buxar recorded the highest maximum temperature in the state at 41.5 degrees Celsius.
The Meteorological Department has indicated that relief may arrive after 48 to 72 hours if moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal strengthen. Increased moisture inflow could trigger rainfall activity in several districts and help bring down temperatures.
Why Bihar Is Not Receiving Widespread Rainfall
Meteorologists attribute the lack of widespread rainfall to two key factors:
• Weak Monsoon Trough: The monsoon trough is currently not positioned strongly over Bihar. Normally, widespread rainfall occurs when the trough passes through the state and adjoining regions. Its weak position is resulting in cloud formation without significant rainfall.
• Reduced Moisture Flow from the Bay of Bengal: Moist winds from the Bay of Bengal play a crucial role in strengthening monsoon activity. At present, moisture inflow remains relatively weak, limiting cloud development and rainfall. As a result, many districts are experiencing cloudy skies but little precipitation, leading to rising humidity and heat.
Farmers Await Rain for Paddy Transplantation
The delayed and inadequate rainfall has raised concerns among farmers as the peak paddy transplantation season has already begun. Agricultural experts warn that if substantial rainfall does not occur within the next week, the paddy cultivation cycle could face significant delays, potentially affecting agricultural productivity in the state.
Weather experts, however, remain hopeful that monsoon conditions may become more favourable in the coming days, leading to widespread rainfall across Bihar and providing much-needed relief from the prolonged heatwave.
