Lightning kills 16 in Bihar

Patna July 9 (IANS) 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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