Patna (Bihar) [India], April 10 (HBTV): Thirteen people lost their lives after being struck by lightning in four districts of Bihar—Begusarai, Darbhanga, Madhubani and Samastipur—according to an official statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).

As per the CMO, Begusarai reported five fatalities, Darbhanga four, Madhubani three, and Samastipur one.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed condolences over the deaths and announced an ex-gratia of INR 4 lakh each for the families of the deceased.

The official statement dated April 9 read: ‘Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is deeply saddened by the death of 5 persons in Begusarai, 4 in Darbhanga, 3 in Madhubani and 1 in Samastipur due to lightning and has expressed his deep condolences to the affected families.’

‘The Chief Minister said that he is with the affected families in this hour of disaster. The Chief Minister has directed to immediately give an ex-gratia grant of INR 4 lakh to the families of all the deceased,’ it added.

The Chief Minister also appealed to the public to remain indoors during bad weather and to follow all safety advisories issued by the Disaster Management Department.

‘The Chief Minister has appealed to the people to be fully alert during bad weather. In case of bad weather, follow the suggestions issued from time to time by the Disaster Management Department to protect against lightning. Stay indoors and stay safe during bad weather,’ the statement said.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued an orange alert for April 9 and 10 for the districts of Kishanganj, Araria, Supaul, Madhubani, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, East Champaran, and West Champaran.

The IMD also forecasted heavy rainfall on April 10 in isolated places in Kishanganj and Supaul districts.

‘Thunderstorm with lightning and gusty wind (40–50 kmph) likely to occur at few places over Kishanganj, Araria, Supaul, Madhubani, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, East Champaran, and West Champaran districts of the state,’ the IMD stated.

(ANI)