PATNA: As many as 17 people have died in eight districts of Bihar since Saturday night due to gale, lightning and heavy rains.
A maximum of six deaths were reported from Bhagalpur district followed by three in Vaishali.
Chief minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh each to the next kin of the people who lost their lives in the hailstorm.
Heavy rains accompanied by strong winds and lightning have hit several districts of Bihar since Saturday night, leaving a trail of destruction, including uprooted trees, which have obstructed roads and damaged electric poles, interrupted vehicular traffic and power supply in some of the districts especially those in the north and eastern parts of the state.
“Total six deaths were reported from Bhagalpur, three from Vaishali, two each from Khagaria and Banka, and one each from Katihar, Saharsa, Madhepura and Munger," a senior official of the chief minister office told TOI on Sunday.
He said necessary instructions have been issued to district officials for immediate payment of ex-gratia amount to the next kin of the deceased persons.
He said the chief minister had expressed grief over the death of people in different districts and appealed to people to remain alert in view of the changing weather.
