Nalanda: The death toll in Bihar's Nalanda district has increased to 23 due to the severe storm and rainfall that have caused significant destruction in the region, as reported by the District Magistrate on Friday.
Previously, the reported fatalities stood at 22 following the catastrophic weather events.
The District Magistrate, Shubhankar, confirmed to ANI that 21 individuals lost their lives due to thunderstorms, with at least one person succumbing to lightning strikes, while others were buried under debris in various locations.
"23 individuals have died in Nalanda. One fatality was due to lightning, while the others were buried at different sites," stated Nalanda DM Shashank Shubhankar to ANI.
In response, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has ordered compensation for the victims' families, and a team has been dispatched to evaluate the damage to crops and housing in the affected areas.
"Measures are being implemented to provide compensation to all families as directed by the Chief Minister, and most have already received assistance. Additionally, a team is assessing the damage to crops and homes," the DM noted.
He also mentioned that efforts to restore 18 kilometers of Low-Tension (LT) lines and 200 electricity poles are currently underway and are expected to be completed by this evening.
"The restoration of the power system has been challenging due to the uprooting of over 18 kilometers of LT lines and more than 300 electricity poles, but we are working to restore it... The system should be fully operational by this evening," he added.
A compensation of Rs 4 lakh has been declared for the families of those who lost their lives.
In addition to the tragic loss of life, considerable damage has been reported to homes, livestock, and agricultural crops, as stated by DM Shubhankar. He mentioned that officials will start assessing property and crop damage on Friday, after which compensation will be allocated accordingly.
The severe storm, which uprooted trees and damaged structures throughout the area, resulted in fatalities across several blocks in Nalanda.
Officials reported that a large Peepal tree fell onto a temple in Nagma village, claiming the lives of several individuals who had sought refuge there during the storm. Local villagers have expressed frustration over the delay in receiving the promised compensation of Rs 4 lakh.
"We have not received any compensation; nothing has come through. Some government officials visited us and took our Aadhar cards to identify the deceased," shared a villager from Nagma.
In total, 80 individuals have lost their lives due to storms in various parts of Bihar.
Bihar's Minister of Disaster Management, Vijay Kumar Mandal, emphasized the government's serious approach to the situation.
Mandal informed ANI, "Currently, the death toll is at 80... The Chief Minister has announced compensation, and we are providing Rs 4 lakh to each affected family. Many have suffered losses due to the thunderstorm and rain, including farmers. We are also making arrangements to address their losses. The government is committed to resolving this issue."
