Freak Storms Devastate Bihar: 19 Dead, Crops Damaged, Govt Announces Relief Measures

PATNA:
In a tragic turn of events, unseasonal storms and lightning strikes have claimed the lives of 19 people across Bihar within a span of just 48 hours, while also wreaking havoc on crops and property in multiple districts. The calamity, which began on April 8, has left both rural and urban residents grappling with sudden weather changes.

According to official data, fatalities were reported from several districts—Begusarai and Darbhanga recorded five deaths each, followed by three in Madhubani, two each in Saharsa and Samastipur, and one each in Lakhisarai and Gaya.

The freak weather, driven by thunderstorms, hailstorms, and intense lightning, has devastated standing Rabi crops, particularly wheat, mango, and litchi plantations in Darbhanga, Madhubani, Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, Sitamarhi, Shivhar, and East Champaran. For farmers on the brink of harvest, the timing could not have been worse.

Expressing grief over the loss of lives, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has directed officials to release Rs 4 lac as ex-gratia to the families of the deceased. He also instructed district administrations to undertake immediate assessment of crop losses and extend necessary relief to affected farmers.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued continued alerts, warning that unstable weather—including rain, hailstorms, lightning, and strong winds—is expected to persist in the region until April 12. The ongoing pattern is reportedly driven by a cyclonic circulation caused by a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal.

Vulnerable districts under alert include Patna, Gaya, Nalanda, Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Madhepura, Katihar, Saharsa, Bhagalpur, Munger, Jehanabad, Nawada, and many others. In Patna, heavy evening showers brought momentary relief from the heat but also caused disruptions.

Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors during storms, avoid open fields during lightning, and secure loose objects. Emergency services remain on high alert, and relief efforts are underway to assist the affected families and farmers.

The situation continues to be closely monitored by both the state government and meteorological agencies, as Bihar braces for more unstable weather in the coming days.