Patna: Five people were killed in separate lightning strikes across Bihar on Saturday as the state continued to face turbulent weather conditions. Two deaths were reported in West Champaran, while one person each died in Bhojpur, Jehanabad, and Kishanganj districts, officials confirmed.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed condolences and said he stood with the families in this hour of tragedy. He directed immediate ex-gratia payments of Rs 4 lakh to each of the bereaved families.
राज्य में वज्रपात से 5 लोगों की मृत्यु अत्यंत दुखद है।
मृतकों के परिजनों को अविलंब चार-चार लाख रुपये अनुग्रह अनुदान देने के निर्देश दिये हैं।
लोगों से अपील है कि खराब मौसम में पूरी सतर्कता बरतें और आपदा प्रबंधन विभाग द्वारा जारी किए गये निर्देशों का पालन करें।— Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) October 4, 2025
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning of four days of heavy to very heavy rainfall across the state. The Patna Meteorological Centre issued a red alert for Muzaffarpur and West Champaran, cautioning residents of potential thunderstorms and winds ranging from 40 to 60 km per hour between October 4 and 7.
According to the Disaster Management Department, a red alert has also been issued for Madhubani, Supaul, and Araria on October 6, while an orange alert covers several districts including Patna, Gaya, Vaishali, Siwan, Munger, and Aurangabad.
The Meteorological Department has warned that continuous rain in the northern and eastern regions, coupled with heavy rainfall in river catchment areas, may lead to a rise in water levels across major rivers in North Bihar.
Authorities have urged residents to remain indoors during thunderstorms and avoid open fields, tall trees, and exposed power lines.
