Lightning Strike in Arwal, Bihar Claims Three Family Members
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Synopsis
In a devastating incident caused by severe weather, three family members lost their lives due to a lightning strike in Shadipur village, Arwal district, Bihar. This tragedy highlights the need for improved safety awareness during storms.
Key Takeaways
- Three family members tragically died from a lightning strike.
- They sought shelter under a straw stack during a hailstorm.
- Authorities are conducting an official investigation.
- The local community is calling for better awareness.
- Farmers are seeking government assistance for crop damage.
Patna, April 14 (NationPress) In a heartbreaking event triggered by severe weather, three individuals from a single family tragically perished due to a lightning strike on Monday in Shadipur village, located in Bihar's Arwal district.
The deceased include Awadhesh Yadav (48), his spouse Radhika Devi (45), and their daughter Rinku Kumari (18). They were struck while seeking refuge from a fierce hailstorm, lightning, and torrential rain after finishing their work in the agricultural field.
Witnesses reported that the family had gone to the field to gather their harvested wheat just as the weather turned ferocious. Caught in the downpour, they took cover under a straw stack, unaware that it would turn into a fatal trap.
In a matter of moments, a flash of lightning hit, igniting the straw pile, and the family was engulfed in flames. Their agonizing cries resonated throughout the village, leading to immediate chaos and sorrow.
“It transpired so quickly. They were merely attempting to safeguard the wheat, and in an instant, they were ablaze. The entire village is in shock. They died instantly,” recounted a local resident.
Villagers rushed to provide assistance and notified authorities. Police from the Vanshi station and fire department personnel swiftly arrived at the scene. They retrieved the bodies and sent them for a post-mortem examination, and an official inquiry is currently ongoing.
This incident has left the local community reeling, with mourning relatives and residents calling for enhanced awareness and preventative measures during stormy conditions.
The tragedy unfolded amidst a series of unseasonal hailstorms and heavy rainfall sweeping through Bihar.
Districts such as Nawada, Jamui, Aurangabad, Bhojpur, Gaya, and Arwal have reported extensive crop losses, particularly affecting wheat, moong, vegetables, and mangoes.
Meteorological authorities have issued alerts regarding ongoing adverse weather, recommending that individuals remain indoors, steer clear of open areas, and never seek shelter under trees or haystacks during lightning storms.
“This was an avoidable tragedy. We implore all farmers to adhere to lightning safety protocols. Avoid taking shelter under trees or straw piles,” advised Roshan Kumar, a senior Meteorologist.
With crops destroyed and lives endangered, farmers and villagers are now requesting immediate aid and compensation from the state government. District administrations have commenced assessments of crop damage.
