New Delhi: At least 26 people have died due to fresh lightning strikes in various parts of Bihar on Thursday, informed the State Disaster Management Department.

The deceased are from Patna, East Champaran, Samastipur, Sheohar, Katihar, Madhepura and Purnia, it said.

An official of the Disaster Management Department said, according to information received from the districts, 26 people died due to lightning strikes on Thursday in the state – six in Patna, four in East Champaran, seven in Samastipur, three in Katihar, two each in Shivhar and Madhepura and one each in Purnia and West Champaran districts.

Bihar CM announces Rs 4 lakh compensation

Meanwhile, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced Rs 4 lakh each for the kin of the deceased.

“Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announces an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to the kin of the 22 people who lost their lives in the state due to lightning today,” the Bihar Chief Minister’s Office said.

The Meteorological Department on Wednesday had issued an alert for heavy rain and thunderstorms in the next 48 hours in Bihar.

Last week, 92 people were killed due to thunderstorm and lightning strikes in Bihar.