Monsoon in Bihar: 5 Killed by Lightning, Yellow Alert Issued for 28 Districts
Patna: The monsoon has intensified its grip over Bihar, triggering both relief and tragedy. While the state has been witnessing rainfall for the past eight days, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday issued a yellow alert for rain across 28 districts, warning residents to remain cautious. Meanwhile, 10 districts are likely to experience relatively normal weather.
Tragically, five people lost their lives due to lightning strikes across different parts of the state on Tuesday, while seven others were injured, some critically.
Lightning Strikes Kill Five, Injure Seven
In a series of devastating lightning incidents:
- A young girl died and two youths sustained severe burns in Old Bhojpur of Buxar district.
- A 15-year-old boy died while playing under a jamun tree in Vairi Vanvas village, Banke Bazar block, Gayaji district. Three other children were scorched.
- A youth who had gone to check paddy fields in Atrauli Van village, under Amba police station of Aurangabad, was killed.
- A 35-year-old woman died in Vasudevpur Chandel of Vaishali district, while her husband and a relative were injured.
- A 45-year-old farmer died in Mahanandpur village under Nemdarganj police station of Nawada.
Rainfall Update: Southern and Eastern Bihar Hit Hard
Heavy rains lashed districts like Buxar, Motihari, Kishanganj, and parts of Patna on Tuesday. While Patna recorded only light showers accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds, waterlogging was reported from other districts due to more intense downpours.
According to IMD, the trough line, a key monsoon feature, is currently passing through South Bihar, leading to significant rainfall in Gayaji, Nawada, Jamui, and parts of East Bihar. In contrast, districts like Patna are seeing only sporadic showers due to the trough’s distance.
Kakolat Waterfall Flooded After Continuous Rain
In neighboring Jharkhand, continuous rainfall led to flooding at the Kakolat Waterfall located in the Govindpur Hills of Nawada district. The 150-meter-high tourist attraction was submerged, and authorities have advised visitors to stay away until water levels recede.
No Heavy Rain for Patna, But Humidity to Rise
Despite active monsoon conditions, no heavy rainfall is expected in Patna for the next 7 days, according to meteorologist Anand Shankar. However, light rain may continue intermittently.
The maximum temperature is expected to rise by 2–3°C in the next four days across the state, increasing humidity and discomfort. No significant change is expected in minimum temperatures.
On Tuesday, Darbhanga was the hottest in the state at 35°C, followed by Patna (34.3°C), Gayaji (34.0°C), and Chapra (33.8°C).
Outlook: Southern and Northeastern Bihar on Alert
Monsoon activity is expected to remain intense in southern districts such as Gayaji, Nawada, Jamui, and in northeastern areas like Araria, Kishanganj, Purnia, and Katihar. These districts could witness heavy rainfall over the coming days, prompting state authorities to stay on high alert.
