'Thunderclap in the Fields'... Dozens Killed by Lightning Strike in India

Authorities Advise "Stay Indoors During Severe Weather"
Heavy Rain Expected on the 11th and 12th, Caution Urged

Lightning photo unrelated to the article content. Pexels

In India, at least 35 people have died in lightning strikes over two days ahead of the monsoon season.

According to Xinhua News Agency and Indian media on the 11th, at least 22 people were killed by lightning accompanied by heavy rain in eight areas including Nalanda in Bihar state, northern India, the previous day.

Earlier, on the 9th, 13 people lost their lives to lightning in four areas including Begusarai in Bihar. Most of the victims were reportedly working in the fields when the lightning struck.

The state government decided to provide compensation of 400,000 rupees (about 6.7 million won) per deceased to the bereaved families. A state government official urged people to stay indoors as much as possible during severe weather.

In Patna, the capital of Bihar, as of 5:30 PM the previous day, the average rainfall reached 43.6mm, causing flooding in various places. The India Meteorological Department warned that heavy rain is expected in some parts of Bihar on the 11th and 12th and advised caution.

In Nepal, which borders Bihar to the north, five people including a 12-year-old child died from lightning strikes the previous day. Two of the victims were working in the fields when the accident occurred.

In India, Nepal, and surrounding areas, hundreds of people die from lightning strikes every year during the period before and throughout the three-month monsoon season that starts in June.