Storms and Lightning Kill 58 in a Single Day Across Bihar; 15 Districts Affected

Patna, April 11 Severe weather wreaked havoc across Bihar on Thursday, claiming 58 lives in a single day due to thunderstorms, high winds, and lightning strikes. The calamity struck 15 districts, with Nalanda being the hardest-hit, reporting 22 fatalities.

According to disaster management authorities, the deaths occurred due to falling trees, collapsing walls, flying debris, and lightning (thunderbolt). Of the total, 35 people died due to structural collapses during storms, while 23 others were killed by lightning strikes.

Nalanda, Bhojpur, Gaya Among Worst Affected

• Nalanda saw massive destruction, with 22 people dead, including 6 fatalities at a temple in Nagama village when a tree collapsed on it.

• Other incidents in Nalanda included wall collapses and falling debris in Bihar Sharif, Silao, and Girichak.

• Bhojpur reported 5 deaths, while Gaya saw 3, including a child who died in a wall collapse.

• One fatality each was reported from Gopalganj, Patna, Jehanabad, Arwal, and Muzaffarpur due to trees or structures falling during the storm.

Lightning Strikes Worsen the Toll

Lightning, locally known as “thunderbolt” (ठनका), caused deadly injuries across multiple districts:

• Siwan: 4 deaths

• Jamui: 3 deaths

• Saharsa, Araria, Saran: 2 deaths each

• Single fatalities were recorded in Patna, Jehanabad, Bhojpur, Darbhanga, Arwal, Gopalganj, Muzaffarpur, Munger, Katihar, and Bhagalpur

The combined effects of storm and lightning left a trail of destruction and mourning in both urban and rural areas.

Government Response and Weather Forecast

Disaster management teams are assessing the situation, and compensation measures are expected to be announced soon for the affected families. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a forecast warning of continued inclement weather through the weekend, including on Sunday, especially in central and northern Bihar.

Authorities are urging citizens to remain indoors during thunderstorms and to avoid open fields, trees, and bodies of water during lightning activity.