India: At least 25 killed in lightning strikes, hailstorms across Bihar, Uttar Pradesh

At least 25 people have lost their lives in Bihar due to lightning strikes and hailstorms, with the deaths spread across several districts.

According to a statement from the Bihar Chief Minister's Office (CMO), the highest number of fatalities were reported in Nalanda, where 18 people died, Caliber.Az reports per Indian media.

Other fatalities included two in Siwan and one each in Katihar, Darbhanga, Begusarai, Bhagalpur, and Jehanabad.

On Wednesday, lightning strikes claimed the lives of 13 individuals in four districts of the state. Bihar's Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, expressed his condolences and announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹4 lakh (over $ 230,000) each for the families of the deceased.

However, opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) claimed the death toll was higher. In a post on X, Yadav stated, "I am deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of more than 50 people in various incidents of storm, rain, lightning, tree and wall collapse in Bihar. I express my deepest condolences. May God provide strength to the families affected by the disaster in this hour of grief."

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an 'orange alert' for several districts, including Darbhanga, East Champaran, Gopalganj, West Champaran, Kishanganj, Araria, Supaul, Gaya, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Nalanda, Nawada, and Patna. The IMD has also predicted heavy rainfall over the coming days.

In neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, at least 22 people were killed in 15 districts following rainfall, hailstorms, and lightning. The fatalities were spread across several districts, with three people reported dead in Fatehpur and Azamgarh, and two deaths in Firozabad, Kanpur Dehat, and Sitapur. Other casualties included one person each in Ghazipur, Gonda, Amethi, Sant Kabir Nagar, Siddharth Nagar, Ballia, Kannauj, Barabanki, Jaunpur, and Unnao.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath, instructed officials to immediately disburse ₹4 lakh (over $ 230,000) in relief to the families of the deceased. "I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families," he said. "We will ensure proper treatment for the injured and support for those affected."

Adityanath also urged officials to carry out a survey to assess crop damage in the state, with a report to be submitted for further action.

By Aghakazim Guliyev