Patna: A powerful weather system has battered Bihar, leaving two people dead and prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue an orange alert for 27 districts. The alert warns of potentially dangerous conditions, including thunderstorms, heavy rain, lightning, and winds gusting up to 50km/h.
The Patna Meteorological Centre said the turbulent conditions are expected to continue through April 23, with widespread lightning and gusty winds posing risks across the state. Among the districts under alert are Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Patna, and Gaya.
The state has seen a rising toll from lightning-related incidents in recent years. According to official figures, 71 people have died due to lightning strikes so far in 2025. Nalanda has been the worst hit, with 27 fatalities, followed by Darbhanga (6), Begusarai (5), and Gaya (3).
Authorities have urged people to remain indoors during storms and avoid open fields, tall trees, or water bodies during lightning activity.
