Severe monsoon storms have once again turned deadly in Bihar, India, where at least 33 people lost their lives due to lightning strikes over the span of two days—Wednesday and Thursday. The victims were primarily farmers and laborers working in open fields across multiple districts, according to the Bihar State Disaster Management Department.
These deaths are part of a concerning annual pattern: 243 lightning-related fatalities were recorded in 2024, and 275 in 2023, highlighting the growing threat of extreme weather events during the monsoon season.
In response to the recent tragedy, the Bihar government has announced compensation of ₹4 lakh (approximately USD 4,600) to the families of the deceased. Disaster Management Minister Vijay Kumar Mandal emphasized ongoing efforts to raise awareness in high-risk areas, urging citizens to take shelter during thunderstorms and avoid open spaces.
Forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predict continued heavy rainfall and lightning in the coming days, putting vulnerable communities—especially those in rural and flood-prone areas—at further risk.
Despite initiatives like Bihar’s mobile lightning alert app, many farmers lack access to smartphones or timely weather updates, leaving them exposed. On social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), concerned citizens are calling for more accessible safety infrastructure, such as shelters, loudspeaker alerts, and community education campaigns.
As flooding and lightning risks grow more severe each year, experts stress the importance of policy-level action, local training, and tech-accessible solutions to prevent repeat tragedies. The current situation serves as yet another reminder of the human cost of climate vulnerability—and the urgent need for more resilient systems to protect lives.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, July 18th, 2025
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