Severe hailstorm hits Bihar, claiming lives of at least 33 people
A severe hailstorm swept over parts of Bihar, India on May 19, 2022, destroying crops and homes, and leaving at least 33 people dead.
The storm follows several weeks of scorching heat and meteorologists said more rains accompanied by gusty winds and hail storms could hit the region ahead of the monsoon season.1
A large number of trees were uprooted across the state, while lightning and strong winds disrupted traffic.
A tree fell on a power substation near the Patna high court, leaving many areas in the state capital without power.
Authorities said seven people died in the Bhagalpur district, followed by 6 in Muzaffarpur and 3 each in Saran and Lakhisarai. Munger and Samastipur recorded 2 deaths each, while Jehanabad, Khagaria, Nalanda, Purnia, Banka, Begusarai, Araria, Jamui, Katihar and Darbhanga each reported one death.
CM Nitish Kumar on Friday announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh each to the next of kin of all the people killed.2
He asked officials to make a rapid assessment of the loss of houses and crops and provide assistance to affected families.
Nitish urged all residents to maintain complete awareness during rough weather, follow suggestions issued by disaster management officials and remain home during rough weather.
References:
1 Hailstorm toll 33, govt offers ₹4 lakh relief to victims’ kin – Times of India – May 20, 2022
2 Bihar: 33 killed in hailstorm; CM announces ex-gratia of Rs 4 laks each to next of kin of all – Times of India – May 21, 2022
Featured image credit: EUMETSAT/Meteosat-8, The Watchers. Acquired at 02:45 UTC on May 19, 2022
If you value what we do here, create your ad-free account and support our journalism.
Your support makes a difference
Dear valued reader,
We hope that our website has been a valuable resource for you.
The reality is that it takes a lot of time, effort, and resources to maintain and grow this website. We rely on the support of readers like you to keep providing high-quality content.
If you have found our website to be helpful, please consider making a contribution to help us continue to bring you the information you need. Your support means the world to us and helps us to keep doing what we love.
Support us by choosing your support level – Silver, Gold or Platinum. Other support options include Patreon pledges and sending us a one-off payment using PayPal.
Thank you for your consideration. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Teo Blašković
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules:
We reserve the right to remove any comments that violate these rules. By commenting on our website, you agree to abide by these guidelines. Thank you for helping to create a positive and welcoming environment for all.