(Adnkronos) – At least 21 people have died and several others have been injured by lightning strikes in the eastern Indian states of Jharkhand and Bihar in the past 48 hours. According to local authorities today, most of the victims were working in the fields when they were struck by lightning.
While 12 deaths were reported in Jharkhand, nine were reported in neighboring Bihar. “In the past 48 hours, at least 12 people have lost their lives and seven others have sustained serious injuries due to lightning strikes in various districts of Jharkhand,” a government official said. A local press report said Giridih and Dumka districts were the worst affected in the state, followed by West Singhbhum district.
“In Bihar, at least nine people died and several were injured due to lightning strikes,” state broadcaster All India Radio said. Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors during thunderstorms and to be careful, especially in open areas, as they can be suddenly struck by lightning during the monsoon season. Meanwhile, the Indian Meteorological Department has issued an alert for heavy rain and lightning in both states, which will last until the day after tomorrow. Every year, with the onset of the monsoon season, hundreds of people die from lightning strikes in India.
