At least nine people, including a 12-year-old girl and a farmer, were killed in lightning strikes across Bihar in the past 24 hours as sudden thunderstorms swept through multiple districts, including Patna, Gaya, Vaishali, and Banka.
The worst-hit district was Banka, where four fatalities occurred. The victims included Kareena Kumari (12) from Kohkara, Anil Yadav from Amarpur, Sulekha Devi from Fuldidumar, and Vijay Yadav, a cattle farmer from Belhar.
In Gaya, two bikers, Ankit Kumar and Vikesh Kumar, died after being struck near the Suryamandal checkpost, while a third, Vakil Manjhi, suffered critical burns. Another lightning fatality, Ruplal Yadav, a cattle herder, was reported in Mohda block.
In Patna&rsquo;s Mokama area, a farmer named Pokh Narayan Mahato was killed, and a buffalo also died in Pandarak. Vaishali reported the death of a girl in Chakmasud village due to lightning.
The majority of these tragic incidents occurred between 5 PM and 9 PM on Sunday. A Kanwaria pilgrim was also injured in Banka&rsquo;s Jilebia Mode area.
In response, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh thunderstorm alert, warning of sudden weather shifts triggered by a cyclonic circulation over Gangetic West Bengal and Jharkhand.
Authorities have urged the public to stay indoors during storms, avoid trees, open fields, and metal poles, and take shelter in concrete structures. Farmers and outdoor workers have been specifically advised to remain vigilant and avoid working in open areas.
[Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by the Benefit News editorial team and is published directly from the IANS news feed.]
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Lightning Strikes Kill 9 in Bihar, IMD Warns of More Storms

Nine dead, several injured in lightning strikes across Bihar; IMD issues fresh weather alert

Lightning Strikes Kill 9 in Bihar, IMD Warns of More Storms

Nine dead, several injured in lightning strikes across Bihar; IMD issues fresh weather alert

July 14, 2025 | 19:29 IST