A devastating weather system, bringing heavy rain, lightning, and hailstorms, battered several states across northern India on Thursday, leaving at least 47 people dead and many others injured. The worst-hit areas were Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand.
In Bihar, lightning strikes claimed the lives of at least 25 individuals across seven districts. The worst-hit district was Nalanda, where 18 people tragically lost their lives. Other districts affected included Siwan, Katihar, Darbhanga, Begusarai, Bhagalpur, and Jehanabad, where additional casualties were reported.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of lives, especially in Nalanda, which bore the brunt of the storm. In a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), it was revealed that CM Nitish Kumar had announced an ex-gratia of ₹4 lakh to the families of the victims. The statement confirmed that the victims were caught in the violent storm and lightning strikes, with the district of Nalanda suffering the most significant toll.
In Uttar Pradesh, around 22 people lost their lives in various rain-related incidents across 15 districts. The state also reported significant property damage, with many areas experiencing widespread waterlogging and disruptions. Meanwhile, in Jharkhand, four people were injured in separate lightning strikes, though no fatalities were reported.
In response to the severe weather, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for several districts in Bihar, including Darbhanga, East Champaran, Gopalganj, West Champaran, Kishanganj, Araria, Supaul, Gaya, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Nalanda, Nawada, and Patna. The IMD forecasted continued thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds in these regions through Friday and Saturday, urging residents to stay alert and take precautions.
The storms also caused significant disruptions in Patna, where heavy rainfall led to waterlogging in many parts of the city. By Thursday evening, Patna recorded 42.6 mm of rain, further exacerbating the impact of the ongoing storm system.
Authorities in the affected states are continuing to assess the damage, with rescue and relief operations underway to assist those affected by the severe weather.
