Lightning strike kills five in Bihar, teenager suffers burn injuries
Patna: Amidst an active monsoon and continuous rainfall in Bihar, incidents of lightning strikes have severely impacted daily life. On Wednesday, five people tragically lost their lives and a teenager suffered severe burns due to lightning strikes across various districts of the state. A wave of grief has swept through the affected families following these incidents in Samastipur, Lakhisarai, and Gaya districts. The administration has initiated the process of providing financial assistance to the kin of the deceased, as stipulated by the Disaster Management Department. Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has urged people to exercise extra caution during inclement weather and avoid venturing into open areas.
According to reports, Samastipur district was the worst-hit, with two people losing their lives in separate lightning incidents in the Sarairanjan block. The deceased have been identified as 14-year-old Ranjit Kumar and 40-year-old Kari Devi. It is reported that both were struck by lightning at separate locations while it was raining. Bystanders attempted to save them, but they died on the spot due to severe burns. In the same incident, 16-year-old Chhotu Kumar was also struck by lightning and suffered severe burns; he was immediately admitted to a local hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment under medical supervision.
Lightning strikes also shattered the happiness of two families in the Halsi block of Lakhisarai district. Here, 57-year-old Valmiki Chandravanshi and 27-year-old Girish Kumar died after being struck by lightning. According to locals, both were engaged in their respective tasks during the rain when lightning struck amidst a loud thunderclap, catching them in its path. Villagers rushed to the scene and tried to take them to the hospital, but doctors declared them dead. A pall of gloom has descended on the village following the incident, and the families are inconsolable.
A tragic incident also occurred in Beldih village within the Sherghati block of Gaya district. Here, 13-year-old student Ankush Raj had left home for school. On the way, the weather suddenly deteriorated, bringing heavy rain and lightning strikes. During this time, Ankush was struck by lightning. Villagers immediately rushed him to the nearest health center, but doctors declared him dead. The entire village is plunged into grief over the untimely death of this promising student. School teachers and classmates have also expressed deep sorrow.
Following these incidents, administrative officials from the respective districts visited the sites, met the affected families, and assured them of all possible government assistance. The district administration stated that the necessary paperwork is being processed in all cases, and the prescribed ex-gratia grant will be provided to the families of the deceased under the state government’s disaster management scheme. Instructions have also been issued to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured teenager.
Every year during the monsoon season in Bihar, a large number of people lose their lives due to lightning strikes. Farmers working in fields, people in open areas, and villagers commuting to school or markets often fall victim to lightning. Weather experts state that intense electrical activity within clouds increases during the monsoon, raising the likelihood of lightning strikes. People need to exercise extra caution during such times.
The Meteorological Department has forecast rain, thunderstorms, and lightning strikes in various parts of the state over the next few days. The department has advised people to avoid going near open fields, tall trees, electric poles, and water bodies during inclement weather. If sudden loud thunder or lightning occurs, one should take shelter inside a safe building and not step out until the weather clears. Farmers have also been advised to keep track of weather updates while working in the fields.
The Disaster Management Department is continuously running awareness campaigns through various channels. Warnings are issued periodically via mobile messages, social media, radio, and local administration to ensure people remain alert and avoid unnecessary risks. Experts believe that most lightning-related accidents can be prevented by heeding timely warnings and following safety measures.
The incidents that occurred on Wednesday in Samastipur, Lakhisarai, and Gaya have once again highlighted that lightning strikes pose a serious natural hazard during the monsoon season. The administration has urged the public to follow warnings issued by the Meteorological Department and to exercise extreme caution during inclement weather. The state government has assured all possible assistance to the affected families, while the local administration is engaged in relief and support operations.
