Lightning Strikes Kill 16 In India As Floods Affect Over 350,000

The eastern state of India, Bihar, have been ravaged by flood affecting not less than 350,000 people, and lightning strikes killing people in the area.

According to officials at Bihar disaster management department, 16 people lost their lives in the recent lightning strikes in 10 districts of the state.

It was gathered, that the situation in Bihar has remain same over the past two weeks, and more than 150 people were killed in similar strikes in the state, with 350,387 people having been affected by the floods.

The country disaster management officials said the victims were either working on their fields or had taken shelter under trees at the time of lightning.

The floods have inundated Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Supaul, Kishanganj, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Gopalganj and East Champaran.

However, authorities have set up relief camps in Supaul and Gopalganj for the people and reports, and says people in other affected districts have taken shelter with their friends and relatives.

Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, on Monday, directed disaster management department to remain fully prepared in view of heavy rains in the catchment areas of neighbouring Nepal and Gandak River.

The minister instructed disaster management department officials and the district magistrates concerned to ensure the evacuation of people living in low lying areas of Gandak river discharge to higher and safer places.

According to disaster management officials, water in Ganga, Baghmati, Kamlabalan and Mahananda rivers was flowing above the danger level at several places.

The northeastern state of Assam has also been said to be facing same situation now.