Bihar storms and lightning kill 20+ in 24 hours; ₹4 lakh ex gratia announced
Synopsis
More than 20 people were killed across Bihar in just 24 hours as storms, heavy rainfall, and lightning tore through the state on 5 May. From collapsing electric poles in Sitamarhi to a near-catastrophe on a live 25,000-volt railway wire in Katihar, the scale of destruction has exposed infrastructure vulnerabilities — and reignited demands for accountability from the electricity department.
Key Takeaways
More than 20 people died across Bihar in 24 hours due to storms, heavy rain, and lightning strikes on 5 May .
Worst-affected districts: East Champaran (5 deaths), Gaya (3), Aurangabad (3), Barh/Patna (2), Sitamarhi (2).
The Chief Minister's Secretariat announced an ex gratia of ₹4 lakh for each deceased victim's family.
Two women — Rakiba Khatoon and Nikhat Parveen — died in Sitamarhi after an electric pole collapsed, sparking public outrage over infrastructure negligence.
A fire at Azamnagar station halted train 55708 for nearly an hour after a tree branch struck a 25,000-volt overhead wire.
The IMD had issued an advance weather alert; authorities warn adverse conditions may persist.
Severe storms, heavy rainfall, and lightning strikes devastated Bihar over the past 24 hours on 5 May, killing more than 20 people across multiple districts and injuring several others. The Chief Minister's Secretariat has announced an ex gratia compensation of ₹4 lakh for the families of each deceased victim.
Districts Worst Affected
The hardest-hit districts include East Champaran, Gaya, and Aurangabad. East Champaran recorded the highest toll with five deaths, while Gaya and Aurangabad each reported three fatalities. In Barh, Patna district, two people died after trees fell and walls collapsed during the storm. Additional deaths were reported from Vaishali (1), Sitamarhi (2), and Bhojpur (1).
Deaths and Injuries: Key Incidents
In Sitamarhi, two women — Rakiba Khatoon and Nikhat Parveen — died after an electric pole collapsed during the storm. One person, Ghulam Hussain, sustained serious injuries and is currently undergoing treatment. The incident has triggered public outrage, with residents alleging negligence by the electricity department over poorly maintained infrastructure.
In Rohtas, 25-year-old Balwant Paswan died after being struck by lightning at a worksite, while four others were injured in the same incident.
Near-Disaster on Railway Network
A major disaster was narrowly averted at Azamnagar station under the Katihar Railway Division when a heavy tree branch fell onto a high-tension overhead wire carrying approximately 25,000 volts, sparking a fire. Panic gripped passengers as smoke engulfed the platform area. Train number 55708 (Katihar–Radhikapur Passenger) remained halted for nearly one hour before railway officials brought the situation under control and restored operations.
Weather Warning and Authorities' Response
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued an alert earlier in the day, warning of storms, rainfall, and lightning activity across Bihar. The sudden weather shift followed a day of intense heat and humidity — by late Monday afternoon, dark clouds gathered across multiple districts, and by evening, powerful storms swept through large parts of the state. Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious and follow safety advisories, as adverse weather conditions may persist in the coming days.
Point of View
And the recurring pattern of infrastructure failure during adverse weather points to a systemic problem rather than an act of nature alone. The collapse of an electric pole in Sitamarhi, killing two women, has rightly triggered public anger: poorly maintained electricity infrastructure in rural Bihar is a known hazard that authorities have been slow to address. The ₹4 lakh ex gratia is a standard response, but it sidesteps the harder question of preventive investment. With the IMD warning of continued adverse weather, the pressure on state agencies to act — not just compensate — will only grow.
NationPress
5 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people died in Bihar storms on 5 May 2025?
More than 20 people died across Bihar in 24 hours due to storms, heavy rainfall, and lightning strikes on 5 May. The worst-affected districts were East Champaran (5 deaths), Gaya (3), and Aurangabad (3).
What compensation has the Bihar government announced for storm victims?
The Chief Minister's Secretariat has announced an ex gratia compensation of ₹4 lakh for the families of each person who died in the storms and lightning strikes across Bihar.
Which districts in Bihar were worst hit by the storms?
East Champaran, Gaya, and Aurangabad were the worst-affected districts. Additional casualties were reported from Barh in Patna district, Sitamarhi, Vaishali, Bhojpur, and Rohtas.
What happened at Azamnagar railway station during the storm?
A heavy tree branch fell onto a high-tension overhead wire carrying approximately 25,000 volts at Azamnagar station under the Katihar Railway Division, sparking a fire. Train 55708 (Katihar–Radhikapur Passenger) was halted for nearly an hour before railway officials restored operations.
Did the IMD warn about the Bihar storms in advance?
Yes, the India Meteorological Department had issued an alert warning of storms, rainfall, and lightning activity across Bihar before the weather event struck. Authorities have urged residents to stay cautious as adverse conditions may persist.
