Patna, April 11 (NationPress) A devastating storm accompanied by intense rainfall and lightning strikes caused destruction across various districts of Bihar on Thursday, resulting in a total of 58 fatalities -- with 23 occurring in Nalanda district alone.

Among the total deaths, 35 individuals lost their lives due to falling trees or collapsing walls, while 23 others were victims of lightning strikes statewide.

Nalanda District Magistrate Shashank Shubhankar confirmed the high death toll and extensive property damage in his district.

In a statement to the media on Friday, Shubhankar reported that 22 people died from falling trees or collapsing structures, and one individual was killed by lightning.

“All families affected are being given an ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh each, in accordance with the directives of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Most families have already received this compensation, with the remaining payments scheduled for Friday afternoon,” he stated.

Three to four injured individuals are currently receiving treatment at Sadar Hospital. The storm resulted in widespread devastation in Nalanda, severely damaging homes and crops in multiple areas.

“Our assessment teams are currently surveying the affected regions. Compensation will be distributed according to governmental regulations. We have also recorded five livestock fatalities, and post-mortems are being conducted to facilitate compensation claims. Reports regarding injuries or deaths among smaller animals are also under review,” the DM added.

Infrastructure has been significantly impacted in Nalanda, with over 18 km of power lines damaged, more than 300 electric poles uprooted, and several transformers destroyed.

“Forty-two teams from the electricity department are actively working to restore power. Partial restoration has already occurred, and the clearance of trees from roads is expected to be completed by this evening,” Shubhankar noted.

To avoid disruptions in water supply, ten generators were deployed overnight, with more units anticipated shortly.

The district magistrate also clarified that compensation is solely for residential and personal losses, excluding commercial damages.

“The administration is diligently working to ensure that no affected individual is left without support,” he assured.

Beyond Nalanda, the storm resulted in five fatalities in Bhojpur, three in Gaya, and one each in Gopalganj, Arwal, Jehanabad, Patna, and Muzaffarpur districts due to falling trees or walls.

The 23 lightning-related deaths were distributed across the state -- four in Siwan, three in Jamui, two each in Saharsa, Araria, and Saran, and one each in Patna, Jehanabad, Bhojpur, Darbhanga, Arwal, Gopalganj, Muzaffarpur, Munger, Katihar, and Bhagalpur districts.