By The Sampadak Express
Patna/Lucknow: Severe weather conditions, including lightning strikes, hailstorms, and heavy rainfall, have claimed at least 47 lives across Bihar and Uttar Pradesh over the past two days, with officials warning of further adverse weather.
In Bihar, 25 people lost their lives in separate incidents of lightning and hailstorms reported across multiple districts. According to the Bihar Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), 18 deaths occurred in Nalanda, followed by two in Siwan, and one each in Katihar, Darbhanga, Begusarai, Bhagalpur, and Jehanabad.
This comes a day after 13 people died in lightning strikes across four districts in the state.Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed condolences and announced an ex gratia of ₹4 lakh for the families of the deceased.
Meanwhile, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav claimed the death toll is higher, stating that over 50 people have died due to rain-related incidents including wall and tree collapses. He expressed grief and urged for more comprehensive relief efforts.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an ‘orange alert’ for several districts including Darbhanga, East Champaran, Gaya, Patna, and Nalanda, forecasting heavy rainfall on Friday and Saturday.
In Uttar Pradesh, 22 people were reported dead across 15 districts due to lightning and hailstorms. Fatalities were reported from Fatehpur, Azamgarh, Firozabad, Kanpur Dehat, Sitapur, and others, according to the state’s relief commissioner’s office.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed officials to ensure immediate relief disbursement of ₹4 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased. He also instructed health officials to provide proper treatment to the injured and ordered a survey to assess crop losses for government assistance.
Authorities in both states remain on high alert as inclement weather is expected to continue in the coming days.
