Patna: At least 14 people, including seven children, died in Bihar after severe thunderstorms, heavy rain, and lightning strikes battered several districts on Monday. Two women also sustained burn injuries in separate incidents, officials said.
The worst-affected districts include Motihari, where five people lost their lives, followed by Aurangabad with four deaths and Gaya with three fatalities due to lightning strikes. A 70-year-old man was killed in Khagaria after being struck by lightning, while his wife and daughter-in-law were injured.
In another incident in Barh, a farmer died after being crushed under a tree during strong winds and rain.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for heavy rainfall in 18 districts on Tuesday, warning of continued thunderstorms, gusty winds, and lightning activity.
Widespread impact across districts
Over the past 24 hours, at least 22 districts witnessed intense rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms. Hailstorms were reported in Siwan, while cities including Patna, Gopalganj, and Aurangabad experienced heavy waterlogging, with rainwater accumulating up to three feet on several roads.
In Patna, dark clouds engulfed the city on Monday evening, followed by strong winds and heavy rainfall. The storm caused damage near the airport, where exterior tiles were reportedly blown off due to high-speed winds. Waterlogging was also reported outside the residence of MP Devesh Chandra Thakur.
In Motihari, a live electric wire fell during the storm, sparking a fire in a hut that killed two people. Separate incidents of tree fall and lightning also claimed lives, including that of a two-year-old girl and other children.
Casualties among children
Aurangabad reported four child deaths due to lightning strikes. In Ghatrain Bhuiyan Bigha village, two children—Santosh Kumar (11) and Suraj Kumar (10)—were killed while they had stepped out to collect berries. In another incident, eight-year-old Bajrangi died after being struck by lightning while playing outside his home. A 22-year-old youth, Prince Kumar, also died in a similar incident.
In Gaya’s Sherghati area, three youths—Gautam Kumar, Sandeep Kumar, and Dilkesh Kumar—were killed after lightning struck Jogapur village.
In Khagaria district’s Beldaur area, Garho Singh (70) died after a lightning strike hit his house. His wife Kari Devi and daughter-in-law Babita Devi suffered burn injuries.
Damage to property and infrastructure
Strong winds led to several incidents of tree fall across the state. In Siwan, a large tree collapsed on a main road, disrupting traffic movement. In Madhepura, a tree fell on an autorickshaw, injuring passengers.
In Buxar, the storm was so intense that darkness descended around 3 pm due to dense clouds. Tin sheets were blown away in strong winds in some areas, leaving people injured.
Weather outlook
According to the IMD, the current spell of thunderstorms and rain is expected to continue across Bihar until May 7. During this period, temperatures may drop by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius.
Rainfall activity is likely to persist over the next 48 hours, with intermittent thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds expected in multiple districts. While some regions may begin to see clearer skies after May 6, a complete improvement in weather conditions is expected from May 8 onwards.
Day temperatures across the state are likely to range between 32°C and 36°C over the next 24 hours. Although the rainfall has brought relief from the intense heat, humidity levels remain high, causing discomfort.
In the past 24 hours, Rohtas recorded the highest temperature at 38.4°C despite rainfall activity.
The IMD has advised residents to remain cautious, avoid open areas during lightning, and take necessary precautions as unstable weather conditions continue across the state.
