03 July

At least 26 people were killed on Thursday due to lightning and thunderstorm in India's eastern state of Bihar, officials said.

The deaths have taken place in Patna, East Champaran, Samastipur, Sheohar, Katihar, Madhepura, Purnia, West Champaran districts.

"Seven people were killed in Samastipur, six in Patna, four in East Champaran, three in Katihar, two each in Sheohar and Madhepura, while as one each in Purnia and West Champaran," an official at disaster management department Bihar said.

On Tuesday 11 people were killed in similar strikes in the state.

Last week also 83 people died due to heavy rains and lightning in the state.

Disaster management officials said the victims were either working inside their fields or had taken shelter under trees at the time of lightning.

On Wednesday Chief Minister appealed people to take care during bad weather conditions and avoid venturing out at the time of lightning and thunderstorms.

He also urged people to strictly follow the precautionary measures issued by the disaster management office for bad weather conditions.

At present India is in the grip of southwest monsoon and most parts are experiencing heavy to very heavy rainfall, besides extremely heavy spells at isolated spots.

xinhua