• By Mayukh Debnath
  • Wed, 26 Jun 2024 11:13 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Lightning Deaths: At least eight people lost their lives after being struck by lightning across six districts of Bihar, an official informed on Wednesday. According to the official, cited by news agency PTI, the casualties were reported from Bhagalpur, Munger, Jamui, East Champaran, West Champaran, and Araria district over a span of 24 hours.

Bihar Lightning Deaths: Ex-gratia Announced

Condoling the deaths, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed grief over the fatal incidents. As per the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh has been announced for the next of kin of each diseased. While two deaths each were reported from Bhagalpur and Munger, the death toll included one casualty each from Jamui, East Champaran, West Champaran and Araria districts, the CMO informed on Wednesday.

Odisha: Five Killed By Lightning Strikes

Meanwhile, in Odisha, at least five persons were killed by lightning strikes at various places in Bargarh and Bolangirh districts, as per the police. Here also, an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased was announced by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. The lightning-related death toll in Odisha reportedly included three casualties from Duanadihi village in Bargarh and two from Bolangirh's Chaulbanji village.

During the day, heavy rains lashed several parts of Odisha, leading to waterlogging in low-lying areas, officials said. While Nayagarh recorded 110 mm of rainfall, Paralakhemundi, Nabarangpur, and Bhubaneswar registered 69.8 mm, 23 mm, and 21.3 mm of downpour respectively, they added.

Forecasting persistence of rainfall activity in the state through the weekend, Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre's Director Manorama Mohanty said rains would continue to hit parts of the state for another four days. She said some places in Gajapati, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Balangir, Nuapada, Malkangiri and Koraput districts were likely to witness heavy to very heavy rainfall in Thursday.

(With inputs from agencies)