Thirteen people lost their lives in separate incidents after being struck by lightning across Bihar on Wednesday (April 9, 2025) amid sudden thunderstorms lashing the State. The highest number of fatalities, five, was reported from Begusarai district, followed by four in Darbhanga, three in Madhubani, and one in Samastipur. In Begusarai district, the five deaths occurred within the jurisdictions of the Mufassil, Bhagwanpur, Ballia, and Sahebpur Kamal police stations. In Bhagatpur Panchayat, under the Ballia police station limits, Viral Paswan, 60, son of the late Sukhdev Paswan, and resident of ward number 4 of Bhagatpur village, died while his wife sustained injuries when lightning struck. Another victim was identified as Indira Devi, a middle-aged woman from Sahebpur Kamal. A farmer returning after inspecting his crops in Kola Bahiyar (Mufassil police station area) was also killed. Additionally, two persons from Manopur village, reportedly under the Bhagwanpur police station limits, died when they were struck while defecating in the open. In Darbhanga, four fatalities were reported. One victim was identified as Jawahar Chaupal, 68, son of the late Lakhan Chaupal, from Ladho Kataiya village (Biraul police station area). He was struck while going to bring harvested wheat for threshing. Three other deaths occurred in separate incidents within the district. One death due to lightning was also confirmed in Samastipur district. Madhubani district recorded three deaths. Durga Devi, 45, a resident of Pipraulia Panchayat (Jhanjharpur police station area), was fatally struck by lightning while she had gone to cover cow dung. In Alpura village, within the Rudrapur police station limits, Mohammad Zakir and his daughter Ayesa died on the spot when lightning hit as they were attempting to cover harvested wheat. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed his grief over the deaths and conveyed his deep condolences to the affected families. An official press statement from the Chief Minister’s office confirmed that Mr. Kumar has directed authorities to immediately provide an ex-gratia grant of ₹4 lakh to the families of all deceased individuals. Mr. Kumar has appealed to the people to be fully alert during bad weather. Mr. Kumar appealed to the public to remain fully alert during inclement weather. “In case of bad weather, follow the suggestions issued from time to time by the Disaster Management Department to protect against lightning. Stay indoors and stay safe during bad weather,” the statement quoted Mr. Kumar as saying. Bihar’s weather has changed abruptly, causing rain and thunderstorms in numerous districts. The Meteorological Department has predicted that such conditions may persist over the next few days and has advised farmers to be vigilant in safeguarding their crops.