Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced on Thursday a compensation of Rs 4 lakhs each for the families of four individuals who died due to lightning strikes in Siwan, Supaul, and Rohtas.
In a post on X, Kumar expressed his condolences: “It is unfortunate that 2 people died in Siwan, 1 in Supaul, and 1 in Rohtas due to lightning. Deep condolences to the bereaved families. Rs 4 lakh each will be given as ex-gratia to the families of the deceased. People are requested to be very cautious during bad weather. Follow the suggestions issued from time to time by the Disaster Management Department. Stay indoors during bad weather and stay safe.”
Officials reported that lightning had claimed two lives in Siwan and one each in Supaul and Rohtas districts since Wednesday.
Previously, Nitish Kumar had expressed his condolences over the death of 12 people due to lightning in seven districts of Bihar, also announcing an ex-gratia of four lakh rupees each to the dependents of the deceased.
“The Chief Minister has expressed deep condolences on the death of three people in Jamui, three in Kaimur, two in Rohtas, one in Saharsa, one in Saran, one in Bhojpur, and one in Gopalganj due to lightning in the last 24 hours,” stated a press release by the state government on Monday.
Kumar affirmed his solidarity with the affected families during this time of disaster. “The Chief Minister has today given instructions to give an ex-gratia grant of four lakh rupees each to the families of the deceased,” the release added.
The Chief Minister also urged people to exercise full caution during bad weather and to follow the safety suggestions issued by the Disaster Management Department to protect themselves from lightning.
Additionally, Kumar conducted an aerial survey of the rising water levels in the rivers of West Champaran, East Champaran, and Gopalganj districts on Monday.