31 die in Bihar lightning strikes (Lead)

Patna July 10 (IANS) At least 31 people have been killed and over a dozen injured in incidents of lightning strikes across Bihar since Sunday said an official on Monday.

The toll was confirmed by Principal Secretary of the state s Disaster Management Department Pratyay Amrit.

Deaths were reported from Vaishali Patna Rohtas Saran Buxar Bhojpur Gaya Samastipur Siwan Araria and Aurangabad districts on Sunday said the department s Joint Secretary Anirudh Kumar.

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

Accordiing to the department officials nearly 150 people have been killed in lightning strikes in Bihar this year.

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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