Lightning strikes kill 21 people in India in last 24 hrs

At least 21 people were died in lightning strikes that hit Bihar and Jharkhand over the past 24 hours, reports Hindustan Times.

An official statement from the Bihar chief minister’s Office stated on Thursday (July 17) confirmed this.

According to PTI, the worst-hit district in Bihar was Nalanda, which reported five fatalities. Vaishali followed with four deaths, while Banka and Patna recorded two each.

Besides, Sheikhpura, Nawada, Jehanabad, Aurangabad, Jamui, and Samastipur districts accounted for one death each.

Meanwhile, chief minister Nitish Kumar extended his condolences to the grieving families and announced an ex gratia amount of ₹4 lakh for each deceased's next of kin.

The chief minister also urged Bihar residents to remain alert and take all necessary precautions during periods of inclement weather, especially during thunderstorms and heavy rain.

In Jharkhand's Simdega district, two people were killed while one was injured in lightning-related incidents on Thursday, police said.