12 more people killed in lightning strikes in Bihar

PATNA: Twelve more people were killed in separate incidents of lightning strikes in seven districts of Bihar in the past 24 hours, a communique issued from the chief minister’s office (CMO) said here on Monday.
With the fresh fatalities, altogether 36 people have lost their lives due to lightning strikes in various districts of the state in the last six days, including 24 in the last 48 hours.
The 12 fresh deaths were reported in the last 24 hours, while other 12 deaths were reported in the preceding 24 hours, reports arriving from different districts said.
Chief minister Nitish Kumar on Monday expressed grief over the death of 12 people in seven districts and asked officials to ensure immediate payment of ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to the next kin of deceased persons.
“Jamui and Kaimur each reported three deaths, followed by two deaths in Rohtas and one each death in Saharsa, Saran, Bhojpur and Gopalganj districts,” the CMO said.
“Nitish further appealed to common people to remain alert and vigilant during the inclement weather and follow the suggestions issued from time to time by the state’s disaster management department to save themselves from the lightning strikes and impact of bad weather,” the communique issued from the CMO said.
The CM also urged people to remain inside the home during inclement weather to save themselves from the lightning strikes.