Seven killed in separate lightning strikes in Bihar in 24 hours

IANS April 9, 2025 268 views

Lightning strikes have claimed seven lives across Bihar's rural districts in just 24 hours, highlighting the deadly nature of unexpected thunderstorms. Victims were predominantly farmers and villagers caught outdoors during sudden rainfall and electrical storms. The India Meteorological Department has issued urgent safety warnings, advising residents to seek shelter in concrete buildings and avoid open areas during thunderstorms. These tragic incidents underscore the critical importance of heeding weather advisories in regions prone to severe meteorological conditions.

"Avoid open fields, clay houses, and electric poles during thunderstorms" - India Meteorological Department Advisory
Seven killed in separate lightning strikes in Bihar in 24 hours
Patna, April 9: At least seven people lost their lives in separate lightning strike incidents triggered by heavy rains in Bihar's Madhubani and Begusarai districts over the past 24 hours, officials said.

Key Points

1

Seven people killed in separate lightning incidents in Bihar

2

Victims include farmers and children during sudden downpours

3

IMD issues critical safety advisory for thunderstorm regions

4

Madhubani and Begusarai districts most affected by deadly strikes

In Madhubani, three people were killed in different parts of the district on Wednesday morning. In the Alpura village of Rudrapur, under Andharathari block, 62-year-old Zakir and his 18-year-old daughter Ayesha died while trying to cover a wheat stock in their field with a tarpaulin during a sudden downpour.

In another incident, Rekha Devi, wife of Revan Mahato from Pipraulia village under the Jhanjharpur police station area of Madhubani, was struck by lightning and died while she was near the fields.

In Begusarai, four fatalities were reported in separate incidents. Thirteen-year-old Anshu Kumari, daughter of Ramkumar Sada of Manopur village under Bhagwanpur police station, died after being struck by lightning.

In Bhagatpur village, under Ballia police station, 60-year-old Biral Paswan died, and his wife was seriously injured while they were collecting straw in the fields.

Indira Devi, a middle-aged woman from Sanha Navtoliya village under Sahebpur Kamal police station limits, was killed near Mohanpur Dhaba in the Mashudanpur Diara Path area.

Pankaj Mahato (45), son of the late Kamo Mahato from Souza village, died while returning from his field in Kola Bahiyar village under Mufassil police station limits.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an advisory urging residents to take precautions during thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. People are advised to avoid going into open fields, clay houses, near trees, and electric poles and to remain indoors -- preferably in concrete buildings -- during lightning strikes.

Farmers have been specifically advised not to enter fields or go near water bodies during adverse weather. Thunderstorms and lightning are expected to continue in Madhubani, Begusarai, and the adjoining districts over the next 24 hours.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
This is so heartbreaking 💔 Farmers already have so many struggles, and now nature's fury adds to their suffering. The government should install lightning arresters in vulnerable areas.
P
Priya M.
My uncle lives in Madhubani and says lightning strikes have become more frequent in recent years. Climate change is real, folks. Stay safe everyone!
A
Amit S.
While tragic, I wish the article had included more about the warning systems in place. Are there any mobile alerts going out to villagers when storms approach?
S
Sunita R.
Lost a cousin to lightning last monsoon season. It happens so fast - one minute they're working, next minute gone. My prayers with all the families 🙏
V
Vikram J.
Important reminder that we take weather warnings seriously. That father and daughter trying to save their wheat harvest... so tragic. Sometimes crops can be replanted, but lives can't.
N
Neha P.
The IMD advisory is good but reaches very few farmers. Need more grassroots awareness programs in local languages about lightning safety.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Bihar Lightning Deaths Thunderstorm Safety India Meteorological Department Rural Disaster Madhubani Begusarai Incidents
You May Like!