Severe Weather Events Lead to 19 Fatalities in Bihar in Just 48 Hours; Government Initiates Compensation Measures
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Synopsis
Severe weather in Bihar has resulted in 19 deaths over 48 hours due to thunderstorms and hailstorms. Crops have suffered extensive damage, prompting the government to provide compensation and relief measures, as more storms are forecasted.
Key Takeaways
- 19 fatalities reported in Bihar due to severe weather.
- Significant damage to Rabi crops, including wheat and mango.
- Government to provide ₹4 lakh compensation to families.
- IMD warns of continued thunderstorms until April 12.
- Residents advised to stay indoors during storms.
Patna, April 10 (NationPress) A sudden shift in weather has caused significant destruction across various districts of Bihar, resulting in 19 fatalities within a span of 48 hours and extensive losses to crops and property.
The calamity, instigated by unusual thunderstorms, hailstorms, and lightning, has severely affected both lives and livelihoods.
Official reports indicate that at least 19 individuals have lost their lives in the last two days.
This includes five fatalities in Begusarai, five in Darbhanga, three in Madhubani, two each in Saharsa and Samastipur, and one each in Lakhisarai and Gaya districts.
The storms, which were accompanied by hail and strong winds, have inflicted considerable damage on Rabi crops, particularly wheat, mango, and litchi, in areas such as Darbhanga, Madhubani, Samastipur, Muzaffarpur, Sitamarhi, Shivhar, and East Champaran.
Local farmers are reporting significant losses just weeks ahead of the harvest.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has conveyed his deep condolences regarding the loss of life and has directed officials to disburse an ex-gratia payment of ₹4 lakh to the families of each deceased.
District administrations have been tasked with evaluating crop damage and formulating relief strategies.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings that rain, lightning, and thunderstorms are expected to continue across Bihar until April 12, with certain areas predicted to experience hailstorms and high winds.
The ongoing cyclonic circulation caused by a low-pressure area over the west-central Bay of Bengal is influencing this severe weather phenomenon.
The IMD has also released an alert for the upcoming five days, advising residents in susceptible districts to remain cautious.
Districts likely to be impacted include Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Darbhanga, Samastipur, Madhepura, Saharsa, Purnea, Katihar, Bhagalpur, Khagaria, Banka, Munger, Jamui, Sheikhpura, Begusarai, Patna, Nalanda, Nawada, Jehanabad, and Gaya.
The weather changed abruptly on April 8, as strong winds and sudden downpours disrupted daily life in several areas, including Patna, where evening rains provided temporary relief from the summer heat but also caused disturbances.
The Meteorological Department has advised the public throughout Bihar to remain indoors during storms, avoid open fields during lightning, and secure loose items. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating emergency responses.
