Bihar Lightning Strikes Kills 26

Patna, July 10 (IANS): Lightning strikes across Bihar has killed at least 26 persons and injured over a dozen, including women and children, in last 24 hours, an official said here on Monday.

Deaths were reported from Vaishali, Patna, Rohtas, Saran, Buxar, Bhojpur, Gaya, Samastipur, Siwan, Araria and Aurangabad districts on Sunday, Bihar State Disaster Department official Anirudh Kumar said.

The state government has announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh to the family of each victim.

Lightning strikes during the June-September monsoon season are common across Bihar, with bamboo and grass huts more at risk.

Bihar received heavy rainfall on Sunday, and the Meteorological Department has forecast similar conditions on Monday as well.