Daijiworld Media Network - Patna
Patna, May 29: Bihar witnessed a sudden and dramatic shift in weather conditions on Friday as multiple districts were hit by heavy rainfall, strong winds, and lightning strikes. While the showers brought temporary relief from intense heat and humidity, they also left behind a trail of tragedy, with at least four deaths reported due to lightning.
In Gaya district’s Dumaria block, a farmer lost his life after being struck by lightning in Kishun Chak village under the Bhadwar police station area. The deceased, identified as Dinesh Yadav, had gone out in the morning to graze cattle when the weather suddenly worsened.
Locals said he was in the Hariitar area of Bijua Barwadih, about a kilometre from his village, when a powerful lightning strike hit him. Villagers rushed to the spot after hearing the incident but found him already dead. His family, including his wife and children, was left devastated by the sudden loss.
Police reached the location soon after being informed. Station House Officer Sachin Kumar confirmed that the body was sent for post-mortem examination at Anugrah Narayan Magadh Medical College Hospital and said that compensation under the state disaster relief scheme would be provided to the family.
Another fatal lightning strike was reported from Gularved village in Barachatti block of Gaya district, where 17-year-old Manisha Kumari died on the spot. Her mother, Gauri Devi, sustained severe burn injuries.
According to officials, the mother-daughter duo had stepped outside when rainfall began and took shelter under a Mahua tree. Lightning struck the tree moments later, killing the teenager instantly and seriously injuring her mother, who is currently undergoing treatment.
Elsewhere, lightning strikes claimed one life each in Saran and Patna districts, taking the total number of fatalities to four across the state.
In addition to the loss of lives, several parts of Bihar, including Sitamarhi district, experienced heavy rain and strong winds that disrupted normal life. The sudden weather change brought relief from oppressive heat but also caused damage to infrastructure.
Reports indicated that trees and electric poles were uprooted in multiple areas, while tin sheds and smaller structures collapsed in some locations. Power supply was also disrupted in several localities due to storm-related damage.
The Meteorological Department has forecast continued unsettled weather, with light to moderate rainfall and strong winds expected in the coming days, keeping several districts on alert.