Bihar storm toll rises to 22

The toll in the thunderstorm and rains that lashed Bihar rose to 22 after thirteen more deaths were reported from Kaimur and Nawada districts today.

The toll in the thunderstorm and rains that lashed Bihar rose to 22 after thirteen more deaths were reported from Kaimur and Nawada districts today.

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Official sources said 12 deaths were reported from Kaimur, followed by four from Nalanda, two each from Gaya, Nawada and Rohtas.

A thunderstorm accompanied by rains yesterday lashed Patna, Saran, Muzaffarpur, Gaya, Jehanabad, Jamui, Munger, Darbhanga, East Champaran, West Champaran, Kaimur and Rohtas districts causing widespread damage to houses, crops and uprooted hundreds of trees, they said.

Power supply and telephones were disrupted while rail traffic was affected in large parts of the state.

This was the second storm in the state in a month.

Last month, 93 people were killed and thousands of huts destroyed when a tornado hit Araria, Purnia, Kishanganj, Katihar and Supaul.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced ex-gratia of Rs 1.5 lakh, including Rs 50000 from CM's Relief Fund to the next of kin of each who died in the storm.

He asked the district authorities and state disaster management department to intensify relief and rescue measures.