Seven Dead in Bihar as Lightning Strikes and Storm Uproots Trees in Multiple Districts

At least seven people were killed in Bihar in separate incidents involving lightning strikes and falling trees , as torrential rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds swept across several districts of the state on Friday, officials said.

According to district-wise reports, one person each in Bhojpur , Patna, Samastipur, and East Champaran died after being struck by lightning. In addition, two people in Patna and one in Vaishali were killed after being crushed by uprooted trees amid strong winds accompanying the storm.

Officials said the incidents were part of a larger spell of severe weather affecting multiple regions, with sudden thunderstorms, heavy rain and lightning activity disrupting normal life, damaging trees, and causing localised power and infrastructure disruptions in several areas. Earlier consolidated reporting from disaster management sources had also indicated that such storm systems often lead to widespread tree falls, power line damage and traffic disruption across Bihar’s rural and urban belts .

The India Meteorological Department had issued repeated warnings for Bihar during the period, forecasting thunderstorms with lightning, squally winds and isolated heavy rainfall , conditions known to trigger tree uprooting and lightning-related fatalities across the state.

A statement from the Chief Minister’s Office said that Samrat Choudhary expressed deep condolences over the loss of lives and announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased.

He also urged people to remain cautious during adverse weather, avoid open fields and sheltering under trees during thunderstorms, and strictly follow advisories issued by the disaster management department.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation as intermittent rain and lightning activity is expected to persist in parts of the state.