Lightning kills 33 in Bihar during monsoon storms

At least 33 people have died and dozens more were injured after lightning strikes during a monsoon storm in eastern India, officials said on Friday.

The incident happened in Bihar during severe storms on Wednesday and Thursday, according to a statement from India’s Disaster Management Department. Most of the victims were farmers and laborers working in open fields when the lightning struck.

Heavy rain and more lightning are still expected in some parts of Patna.

Bihar’s Disaster Management Minister Vijay Kumar Mandal told AFP that local officials have been instructed to issue warnings and take precautions when lightning alerts are given.

The Patna government has announced that families of those who died will receive compensation of 4 million rupees each.

According to government records, lightning killed 275 people in 2023 and at least 243 in 2024.

Eastern India, including Bihar, faces annual flood risks during the monsoon season, which often leads to deaths and displacement of thousands.