PATNA: As many as 17 people died in 8 districts of Bihar since Saturday night due to gale, lightning and heavy rain. Maximum six deaths were reported from Bhagalpur district, followed by three in Vaishali.
CM Nitish Kumar on Sunday announced an ex gratia payment of Rs4 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased.
Heavy rain accompanied by strong winds and lightning hit several districts of Bihar since Saturday night, leaving a trail of destruction. Several trees were uprooted, obstructing traffic on roads and damaging electric poles. Power supply was disrupted in some of the districts, especially those in the north and eastern parts of the state. Some parts of Bhagalpur and Banka districts were worst affected, a Met department official said.
"Total six deaths were reported from Bhagalpur, 3 from Vaishali, two each from Khagaria and Banka and one each from Katihar, Saharsa, Madhepura and Munger," a senior official at the chief minister's office told TOI on Sunday.
He said necessary instructions have been issued to the district officials for immediate payment of ex gratia amount to the next of kin of the deceased persons.
