Lightning Strike Kills in Bihar

• 03 Aug 2024

Why in News?

Recently, At least 12 people were killed by lightning strikes in different parts of Bihar. The Chief Minister expressed his condolences over the deaths and announced an ex gratia of 4 lakh each for their families.

• Ex gratia meaning is a payment made out of virtue to individuals by an organization or government for claims and damages.

Key Points

• The Chief minister has asked people to be vigilant and stay at home during thunderstorms.
  • He has also encouraged citizens to adhere to the advisories released by the State Disaster Management Department regarding thunderstorms and heavy rainfall.
• According to theBihar Economic Survey report for 2023-2024, the state witnessed 400 deaths related to lightning and thunderstorms in 2022-23 and the highest number of deaths were reported from Gaya (46), Bhojpur (23) and Nawada (21).
  • The state government allocated Rs 430 crore for management of disasters in 2022-23 and of this Rs 285.22 crore went toward local disasters like lightning and drowning.

Lightning

• It is the natural process of "an electrical discharge of very little duration and high voltage between a cloud and the ground or within a cloud," accompanied by a bright flash, a loud sound, and occasionally thunderstorms.
• Cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning is dangerous because it can electrocute people due to its high electric voltage and current. Inter- or intra-cloud lightning is visible and safe.