26 killed as lightning strikes Bihar for the third time in a week

PATNA: At least 26 persons were killed as lightning struck again in Bihar, for the third time within a week, on Thursday.

A total of 134 persons have lost their lives in last seven days. Earlier, on June 26, 96 people were killed in lightning which struck 24 districts and on June 30, another 11 died in different incidents. Most of those who died on Thursday were farmers who were working in their fields when lightning struck.

It is likely that they did not get the warning sent out by the state government through text messages, broadcast over television channels or through posters or pamphlets.

While the maximum number of seven deaths was reported from Samastipur district, six casualties were reported from

Patna, four in East Champaran, two each in Sheohar and Madhubani districts, three in Katihar and one each in Purnea and West Champaran districts.

Chief minister Nitish Kumar directed the concerned district magistrates (DMS) to provide financial assistance of ~4 lakh each to the bereaved families in accordance with the relief code. He directed to ensure medical treatment of the injured person.

“The farmers did not get the warning sent across, and the only way they can be protected is by tackling this at the panchayat level. The majority of the deaths took place due to people seeking shelter under trees,” said an official of the disaster management.

In Patna, five persons, including three women, were killed and three others injured at Dulhin Bazar while they were working in the fields.