Lagatar24 Desk
Patna: Deadly lightning strikes wreaked havoc across Bihar on Sunday, July 13, claiming at least nine lives and leaving six others severely injured in separate incidents across several districts. The highest casualties were reported from Banka district, where four people lost their lives due to lightning. Among the deceased are farmers, a Kanwariya devotee, livestock rearers, and schoolchildren.
Four Killed in Banka, One Seriously Injured
In Banka district, four separate incidents of lightning strikes were reported. In Baja village under Amarpur, Anil Yadav (50) died instantly while planting paddy in the fields. In Fullidumar, a woman named Sulekha Devi lost her life. In the Banka police station area, 12-year-old Karina Kumari died on the spot, while Vijay Yadav (52), a livestock rearer from Chaiti village in Belhar, also succumbed to lightning. In Vishnunagar, Belhar, Sikandar Pandit (48) was seriously injured while working in the fields.
Bikers Struck in Gaya District
In Gaya district’s Barachatti area, two young men riding a motorcycle died after being struck by lightning, while their companion, Vakeel Manjhi, suffered severe burns and is undergoing treatment in hospital. The deceased were identified as Vikesh Kumar and Ankit Kumar. Additionally, in Tahbal Bigaha village under Atri block, 60-year-old farmer Ruplal Yadav was killed by lightning while working in the fields.
Deaths Reported in Patna and Vaishali, Kanwariya Injured in Banka
In Mokama, Patna district, farmer Pokh Narayan Mahto died after being struck by lightning. In Pandarak area, lightning also claimed the life of a buffalo. Vaishali district witnessed tragedy when lightning struck two teenage girls standing under a tree in Chakmasood village under Bidupur block. Fourteen-year-old Muskan Kumari died instantly, while eleven-year-old Ankita Kumari suffered serious injuries. In Siwan district, 12-year-old Bunty Kumar, who was on a Kanwar pilgrimage, was injured after being struck by lightning on the Kanwariya route in Banka district.
IMD Issues Fresh Alert
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has attributed the sudden change in Bihar’s weather to cyclonic circulation active over Gangetic West Bengal and Jharkhand. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for lightning and heavy rainfall in Jamui and Nawada districts on July 15. Additionally, the monsoon is expected to become active again from July 16. The department has urged residents to avoid open fields, elevated areas, or sheltering under trees during thunderstorms and to remain vigilant.
