Patna

At least seven persons were killed in Bihar either due to lightning strikes or after being crushed under falling trees following torrential rain and gusty winds, officials said on Friday.

One person each in Bhojpur, Patna, Samastipur, and East Champaran died due to lightning, and two persons in Patna and one in Vaishali succumbed to injuries after being crushed under trees, they added.

According to a statement by the CMO, Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary expressed deep condolences over the deaths and announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the deceased.

He appealed to people to exercise caution during bad weather, follow suggestions issued by the disaster management department, and stay indoors as far as possible.

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Choudhary said he stands with the bereaved family members in this hour of grief.