Patna: A fierce thunderstorm accompanied by heavy rain and lightning claimed seven lives and severely disrupted normal life across Bihar on Friday evening. The capital city Patna witnessed massive traffic snarls, uprooted trees, and widespread damage. Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary announced an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh each for the families of those killed in lightning strikes and storm-related incidents.
Casualties and Damage
According to official reports, lightning strikes caused one death each in Bhojpur, Patna, Samastipur, and East Champaran. Falling trees led to two deaths in Patna and one in Vaishali. In one of the worst incidents, a tree collapsed on an autorickshaw on Nehru Path in Patna, killing one person on the spot and critically injuring five others. Disaster management department secretary Chandrashekhar Singh confirmed that the victims were rushed to IGIMS.
CM Directs Immediate Compensation
Samrat Choudhary asked officials to ensure immediate payment of compensation and urged people to follow safety guidelines issued by the disaster management department. He advised residents to remain indoors during severe weather conditions.
Infrastructure and Traffic Paralysis
The powerful storm uprooted trees and electric poles across the capital, blocking major roads including Beerchand Patel Path, Gardanibagh, Nehru Path, Dhanki Mor, and Fraser Road. Vehicles were crushed under fallen trees in several localities, including areas near the chief minister's residence and the RJD office. Traffic remained paralyzed for hours as authorities worked to clear debris.
Air Services Affected
Strong winds and heavy rain damaged hoardings at Patna airport and other parts of the city. Air services were affected after IndiGo flight 6E 6917 from Kolkata to Patna was diverted to Lucknow due to bad weather.
Restoration Efforts
The Patna zoo was closed on Saturday to facilitate removal of uprooted trees and debris. Teams from the Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC), SDRF, and NDRF launched restoration work on a war footing. Disaster management minister Ratnesh Sada and chief secretary Pratyaya Amrit monitored relief operations.
Weather Alerts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Saturday, warning of thunderstorms, hailstorms, and winds of up to 60 kmph in districts including Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, and Vaishali. A yellow alert will remain in force across most parts of Bihar till May 12.
Safety Measures at Construction Sites
Meanwhile, Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (Buidco) managing director Animesh Kumar Parashar directed agencies involved in Namami Gange projects in Patna to enforce strict safety measures at construction sites ahead of the monsoon.
