Patna, April 10
A sudden shift in weather has wreaked havoc across multiple districts of Bihar, leading to 19 deaths in 48 hours and widespread damage to crops and property.
The calamity, triggered by freak thunderstorms, hailstorms, and lightning, has impacted both lives and livelihoods.
According to official reports, at least 19 people have lost their lives in the last 48 hours.
This includes five deaths in Begusarai, five in Darbhanga, three in Madhubani, two each in Saharsa and Samastipur and one each in Lakhisarai and Gaya district of Bihar.
The storms, accompanied by hail and strong winds, caused extensive damage to Rabi crops, especially wheat, mango, and litchi, in Darbhanga, Madhubani, Samastipur, Muzaffarpur, Sitamarhi, Shivhar, and East Champaran.
Local farmers are reporting large-scale losses just weeks before harvest.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has expressed deep condolences over the loss of lives and directed officials to provide an ex-gratia grant of ₹4 lakh each to the families of all the deceased.
District administrations have been instructed to assess crop damage and prepare relief measures.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that rain, lightning, and thunderstorms are likely to persist across Bihar until April 12, with some regions expected to experience hailstorms and strong winds.