26 die in Bihar lightning strikes

Patna July 10 (IANS) At least 26 persons including women and children were killed and over a dozen injured in incidents of lightning strikes across Bihar in last 24 hours an official said here on Monday.

Deaths were reported from Vaishali Patna Rohtas Saran Buxar Bhojpur Gaya Samastipur Siwan Araria and Aurangabad districts on Sunday Bihar State Disaster Department official Anirudh Kumar said.

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

Lightning strikes during the June-September monsoon season are common across Bihar with bamboo and grass huts more at risk.

Bihar received heavy rainfall on Sunday and the Meteorological Department has forecast similar conditions on Monday as well.

--IANS
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