Patna: The southwest monsoon made its arrival in Bihar on Thursday, bringing widespread rainfall to parts of the state but also triggering deadly lightning strikes that claimed at least 10 lives across multiple districts.
Khagaria reported the highest number of fatalities, with five people killed and seven others injured in separate lightning-related incidents. Deaths were also reported from Madhepura, Saharsa, Bhagalpur and Bhojpur districts.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has meanwhile issued an orange alert for thunderstorms, rain and lightning across 19 districts on Friday, warning residents to exercise caution as the monsoon advances further into the state.
Five Killed In Khagaria
The worst-affected district was Khagaria, where three people died after lightning struck a hut in Kanhauli village under the Gogri police station area.
The deceased were identified as Vidyanand Yadav, Ashutosh Yadav and Ankesh Kumar. Three others were injured in the incident.
In separate incidents under the Beldaur police station area, Jawahar Sharma, 35, and Manilal Kumar, 18, lost their lives in Itmadi and Balaitha panchayats respectively. Four others suffered burn injuries.
Casualties Reported Across Bihar
In Madhepura district, Shambhu Mandal and his wife Kavita Devi died after being struck by lightning in Parel village under Khapur Panchayat.
Saharsa district reported the death of Hira Kumar in the Lakshminiya Tola area of Kamp West Panchayat.
In Bhagalpur, farmer Prakash Sharma died after being struck by lightning in Ashatol village under Narayanpur block.
Another fatality was reported from Bhojpur district, where Angura Devi died after a tin sheet dislodged during a lightning strike fell on her while she was sitting in the courtyard of her home in Kaura village under the Jagdishpur police station area.
Orange Alert For 19 Districts
The Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for thunderstorms, rainfall and lightning on Friday for 19 districts, including Patna.
The districts under the alert are Patna, Nalanda, Begusarai, Lakhisarai, Sheikhpura, Nawada, Gaya, Jehanabad, Arwal, Aurangabad, Rohtas, Kaimur, Buxar, Bhojpur, Saran, Siwan, Gopalganj, East Champaran and West Champaran.
A yellow alert has been issued for the remaining districts of the state.
Weather officials have advised people to avoid venturing outdoors during thunderstorms and lightning activity. Farmers have also been urged not to work in open fields during adverse weather conditions.
Authorities have warned residents against taking shelter under trees and have advised them to stay away from electric poles, tin-roofed structures and other vulnerable installations during storms.
Monsoon Advances Across State
— Mausam Bihar- IMD Patna (@imd_patna) June 11, 2026
The southwest monsoon entered Bihar on Thursday morning and covered the Kosi and Seemanchal regions on its first day, bringing spells of heavy rainfall to several areas.
According to the IMD, conditions remain favourable for the monsoon’s further advance.
Meteorologists expect the monsoon to spread across the remaining districts of Bihar over the next three to four days, bringing additional rainfall but also increasing the risk of thunderstorms and lightning in parts of the state.
Officials have urged residents to monitor weather advisories closely as the monsoon season gains momentum.
