Summary Box
- Lightning strikes across Bihar have killed 19 people within 24 hours.
- Nalanda reported the highest toll with five fatalities, followed by Vaishali with four.
- CM Nitish Kumar has announced Rs 4 lakh ex-gratia for each victim’s family and urged caution during storms.
A Deadly 24 Hours for Bihar
Bihar was left reeling on Thursday after lightning strikes claimed 19 lives across the state within a single day. The chief minister’s office confirmed that Nalanda district recorded the highest toll with five fatalities, while Vaishali reported four deaths. Other districts, including Banka and Patna, recorded two casualties each, and Sheikhpura, Nawada, Jehanabad, Aurangabad, Jamui, and Samastipur reported one death each.
The deadly incidents, which occurred during severe thunderstorms, have once again highlighted the vulnerability of rural populations in Bihar, where lightning strikes claim hundreds of lives annually during the monsoon season./
We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of 19 lives due to lightning strikes in Bihar within the last 24 hours. Our heartfelt condolences to the families affected.
— True Power Limited (@TruePowerGroup) July 18, 2025
This tragedy is a stark reminder of the importance of lightning safety. pic.twitter.com/Dpa1lftaig
Government Response and Relief Measures
- CM Nitish Kumar announced Rs 4 lakh compensation for each victim’s family.
- The chief minister expressed condolences and assured immediate disbursement of aid.
- He urged citizens to remain indoors during bad weather and avoid open fields and tall trees.
In a statement, Kumar urged people to strictly follow weather advisories and to prioritize safety. The government has also directed local administrations to conduct awareness campaigns on lightning safety and to expedite relief measures in affected villages.
Recurring Threat of Lightning in Bihar
- Bihar is among India’s most lightning-prone states during monsoons.
- Poor awareness and lack of safe shelters in rural areas exacerbate casualties.
- Experts emphasize using mobile-based early warning systems to reduce fatalities.
According to meteorological data, lightning strikes are particularly common during the June-September monsoon period. Despite government campaigns and installation of early-warning systems, fatalities remain high due to inadequate infrastructure and delayed response measures in remote regions.
A Call for Greater Preparedness
The latest tragedy underscores the urgent need for better preventive strategies, including awareness drives, lightning-safe shelters in rural regions, and robust forecasting mechanisms. While compensation provides immediate relief, experts insist that investment in lightning protection systems, coupled with mass education, is essential to prevent such recurrent loss of life.
