Bihar: At least 56 killed due to lightning; CM announces Rs 4 lakh ex-gratia to families

At least 56 people were killed and several others sustained injuries due to lightning at different parts of Bihar late on Tuesday evening.

While seven people were killed in Rohtas district, five each died in state capital Patna and Kaimur district. 

Disaster Management Minister Chandrashekhar said that the death toll had risen to 55-56 and  is expected to rise as reports from the remote areas are yet to reach the state capital.

State Govt to give Rs 4 lakh as compensation to the kin of the deceased: Chandrashekhar on lightning strike in Bihar pic.twitter.com/GMlBmkARLR

— ANI (@ANI_news) June 22, 2016

Earlier in the day, Disaster Management Principal Secretary Vyas Jee asked the District Magistrates to send reports about the extent of damage in their districts due to lightning.

"We got the information yesterday that several people were killed due to lightening. An eight feet pit has been created due to the lightning. I request all not to stay in open areas," Vyas Jee told ANI.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced an ex-gratia of four lakh rupees to the kin of those killed in the incident.

Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon has further advanced in Bihar covering almost the entire state including the capital.