Patna: At least four people were killed and two others injured as powerful thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and strong winds lashed several districts across Bihar on Sunday.
Three of the fatalities were reported from Madhepura, where individuals were struck by lightning. In a separate incident, a 69-year-old woman, Janak Devi, died in Aurangabad when a tree collapsed onto her home during the storm. In Gayaji, a 10-year-old boy, Ranjit Kumar, and a 50-year-old shopkeeper, Ramudit Sharma, were killed after a wall gave way under the force of the wind.
The state’s disaster management department and meteorological authorities have warned of continued adverse weather conditions, forecasting heavy rain, further lightning strikes, and winds of up to 60 km/h across northern and western Bihar.
Heavy rainfall was recorded in Kishanganj, Aurangabad, Banka and Lakhisarai, while Patna, Jehanabad, Nalanda, Begusarai and Supaul are expected to receive significant downpours in the coming hours.
While the sudden change in weather has brought temporary relief from soaring temperatures – Gayaji had recorded a high of 41.9°C – it has raised concerns among farmers. Unseasonal rain and high winds threaten damage to mango, litchi and vegetable crops at a critical stage in the growing season.
District authorities have been directed to remain on high alert, as the inclement weather is expected to persist for at least four more days.
