Authorities said Friday that at least 33 people had died as a result of severe monsoon rains in eastern India, and that dozens more had been hurt by lightning strikes.
The disaster management department of Bihar state reports that the fatal incidences, which largely affected farmers and daily wage workers who were working outside during the storms, happened between Wednesday and Thursday.
Vijay Kumar Mandal, the state minister of disaster management, said that officials have been directed to encourage citizens to take safety steps during lightning alerts and to increase public awareness in districts that are at risk.
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The Bihar government has promised to compensate the relatives of the deceased with 4 million rupees, or about $4,600.
Bihar still faces a serious seasonal risk from lightning. In 2024, lightning strikes claimed the lives of 243 persons, according to government figures, up from 275 the year before.
Bihar and other parts of Eastern India are frequently hit by heavy monsoon rains, which also cause flooding, displacement, and weather-related fatalities during the height of the season. Heavy rain and more lightning are expected in the next days, according to weather officials.
