Severe Storms Devastate Bihar: 19 Dead, Crops Destroyed Amidst Ongoing Weather Warnings
Bihar Reels from Devastating Storms: 19 Lives Lost and Crops Ravaged
A sudden and severe shift in weather has struck Bihar, resulting in 19 fatalities and extensive damage to crops and property across several districts. The unseasonal storms, characterized by thunderstorms, hailstorms, and lightning, have disrupted daily life and caused significant loss to both life and livelihood.
Fatalities and Affected Districts
Over the past 48 hours, official reports confirm the deaths of 19 individuals due to the adverse weather conditions. The casualties are distributed across various districts as follows:
- Begusarai:
- Darbhanga:
- Madhubani:
- Saharsa:
- Samastipur:
- Lakhisarai:
- Gaya:
The storms, accompanied by hail and strong winds, have caused extensive damage to Rabi crops, especially wheat, mango, and litchi, in Darbhanga, Madhubani, Samastipur, Muzaffarpur, Sitamarhi, Shivhar, and East Champaran. Local farmers are reporting large-scale losses just weeks before harvest.
Government Response and Compensation
Expressing deep condolences over the loss of lives, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced an ex-gratia grant of ₹4 lakh each to the families of the deceased. The compensation aims to provide some relief to the affected families during this challenging time.
Ongoing Weather Concerns
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of continued rain, lightning, and thunderstorms across Bihar until April 12. Some regions are also expected to experience hailstorms and strong winds. The adverse weather is attributed to a cyclonic circulation triggered by a low-pressure area over the west-central Bay of Bengal.
Affected Districts and Safety Advisories
The IMD has identified several districts that are likely to be affected by the ongoing weather conditions, including
- Gopalganj
- Siwan
- Saran
- Muzaffarpur
- Vaishali
- Darbhanga
- Samastipur
- Madhepura
- Saharsa
- Purnea
- Katihar
- Bhagalpur
- Khagaria
- Banka
- Munger
- Jamui
- Sheikhpura
- Begusarai
- Patna
- Nalanda
- Nawada
- Jehanabad
- Gaya
Residents in these areas are advised to stay indoors during storms, avoid open fields during lightning, and secure loose objects. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating emergency response efforts to mitigate the impact of the adverse weather conditions.
Conclusion
The recent storms have brought immense hardship to Bihar, affecting numerous families and communities. The government’s swift response, including financial compensation and safety advise