Lightning kills 16 in Bihar

At least 16 persons were killed and half a dozen others injured in lightning strikes in different parts of Bihar on Sunday, officials said.

According to officials of the Bihar State Disaster Department, five persons were killed in Vaishali district, followed by three in Bhojpur district and two each in Buxar and Samastipur districts.

Besides, one person each died in Saran, Araria, Patna and Aurangabad districts.

The state government has announced compensation of Rs 4 lakh to the families of each victim.

Lightning strikes during the June-September monsoon season are common, with villagers housed in bamboo and grass huts more at risk.

A large part of Bihar, including Patna, received heavy rainfall on Sunday.

--IANS

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