Lightning kills 53 in Bihar

The state govt has announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh to the victims' families

At least 53 people including women and children were killed and dozens injured by lightning in different parts of Bihar since Tuesday, the state's disaster management department said on Wednesday.

However, Bihar Disaster Management Minister Chandrasekhar told the media here that toll has increased to 56 with more reports and information pouring from rural areas across the state.

"The toll may increase further it all depend on information we receive from distance rural pockets now," he said.

An official of the disaster management department confirmed that seven people were killed by lightning in Rohtas district followed by five each in Patna, Kaimur, four each in Aurangabad, Buxar and Nalanda districts.

According to the official, three each were killed in Saran, Purnea, Saharsa and Katihar district.

Two each were killed in Bhojpur, Samastipur, Bhagalpur, Munger and Madhepura district and one each in West Champaran and Gaya district.

In Patna and Rohtas, 16 people were injured by the lightning.

Over a dozen people were also injured in Kosi region of Saharsa.

The state government has announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh to the victims' families.

Lighting strikes during the monsoon season which started from the second week of June, is common in Bihar.

The rains that started earlier this week were the first of this monsoon season.