KKN Gurugram Desk |  Bihar has witnessed unprecedented destruction caused by severe thunderstorms, lightning strikes, and heavy rainfall, resulting in the tragic loss of 59 lives so far. Several districts, including Nalanda, Siwan, Bhojpur, Gopalganj, and Begusarai, have reported widespread damage, with trees, walls, and debris falling, resulting in both human and property losses. The natural disaster has also caused significant damage to crops, leaving farmers in distress. In this article, we delve into the tragic events and the aftermath of this devastating calamity.

Highlights of the Storm’s Impact

• Lightning strikes account for nine deaths, while 22 others were killed by falling debris such as trees, walls, and structures.

• Nalanda reported the highest death toll, with 13 fatalities.

• Six people, including a mother and her child, lost their lives when a tree fell on a temple wall in Nalanda.

• Storms also caused structural damages, including the collapse of bridges and power outages across several districts.

The Storm’s Fury: A Detailed Account of the Damage

The sudden and intense weather conditions in Bihar on April 10, 2025, left residents in shock and fear. The states of Nalanda, Sheikhpura, Nawada, Begusarai, Patna, Bhojpur, Siwan, Gopalganj, Saran, Gaya, and Jehanabad were severely affected by the sudden thunderstorm, lightning strikes, and intense winds. These areas witnessed widespread damage, with trees, walls, and debris falling due to the storm’s ferocity, resulting in significant loss of life and property.

The Death Toll and the Cause of Deaths:

The storm’s wrath has led to 59 confirmed fatalities in the state. In Nalanda, the worst-hit district, 22 people lost their lives, many of them due to falling trees, walls, and other debris. Several incidents of lightning strikes have also claimed lives across various regions. A shocking incident took place in Bihar Sharif, where a massive Peepal tree fell on the temple wall in Nagwan village, resulting in six fatalities at once.

In addition to these tragic deaths, the storm’s destructive power led to the collapse of several structures. In Islamapur, a bridge collapsed due to heavy rain, killing an elderly woman, her two-year-old grandson, and her nine-month-old granddaughter, who were buried under the debris. Their mother was critically injured in the incident.

Other Affected Areas:

Several other regions in Nalanda, such as Patna’s Masaurhi and Bedouli village, reported fatalities caused by falling trees and walls. A woman was also killed when a wall fell on her in Masaurhi’s Dighwan area. Meanwhile, severe storms in Sheikhpura resulted in six deaths, with three fatalities from lightning strikes and three others from falling trees and walls.

In Bhojpur, six lives were lost, including a mother and her child, who were killed due to lightning and debris fall. The Mahuli Ghat-Sitabadia Pipapul bridge in Bhojpur was also damaged, cutting off access between Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

Damage to Infrastructure and Communication:

The effects of the storm were felt on infrastructure as well. In Patna, the power transmission system between Ara and Buxar was disrupted for over an hour, halting several trains along the Delhi-Hawrah main line. Similarly, many areas of Siwan, Gopalganj, and Begusarai experienced power outages due to the collapse of trees and electricity poles.

Impact on Agriculture:

The storm’s damage extended to agriculture, with wheat, mango, and lychee crops suffering considerable losses. Many farmers in North Bihar whose wheat crops had not been harvested were spared the worst, but those with crops already in the fields suffered severe damage. In several areas, trees fell and power lines were broken, leading to prolonged power cuts.

In Muzaffarpur, the storm led to the death of a 62-year-old man, Beem Sahni, when a tree fell on him during the strong winds. Similarly, in the Paru area of Muzaffarpur, a lightning strike during wheat threshing claimed the life of a ward member’s father, while three others were injured.

Additional Casualties and Property Damage in Other Areas:

The storm and its aftermath caused fatalities in other regions, including Saran, where two people were killed by lightning strikes, and Gopalganj, where a woman was killed when a tree fell on her hut. In Jehanabad, lightning caused the deaths of two people, while Begusarai witnessed the tragic loss of a young girl struck by lightning.

In Gaya’s Tankuppa block, a wall collapse killed an eight-year-old boy, while several houses in the district were also severely damaged by the storm’s winds. Similar reports came in from various parts of the state, with houses made of mud and thatched roofs being hit particularly hard. The storm’s impact was also felt in rural Bihar, where traditional homes were particularly vulnerable.

Power Disruptions and Ongoing Challenges: The storm’s aftermath has left many areas in darkness, with power supply interruptions affecting millions. The electricity outage has particularly impacted agricultural activities, with farmers unable to irrigate their crops or perform other critical tasks.

In West Champaran’s Narkatiyaganj area, the storm caused a major fault in the 33kV electricity system, cutting off power supply for five hours. Similarly, regions like Samastipur, Sitamarhi, and Darbhanga also reported losses to wheat crops due to the storm. In East Champaran’s Pakridayal, the storm led to a breakdown in four feeders, leaving the area without electricity for over 12 hours.

A Plea for Vigilance and Safety:

As the storm leaves behind a trail of destruction, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed deep condolences for the lives lost in the disaster. He assured the affected families that financial assistance would be provided immediately. A compensation of ₹4 lakh has been promised to the families of the deceased, while the state government has called for heightened awareness and vigilance in such natural disasters.

The government has also urged the public to adhere to the warnings and guidelines issued by the Disaster Management Department and to stay indoors during adverse weather conditions. Safety measures, including evacuation procedures and providing shelter to those affected, are being implemented to mitigate further damage.

 The recent storms in Bihar have left behind not only a trail of destruction but also deep emotional scars for the families who lost loved ones. The disaster has highlighted the vulnerability of the state to such extreme weather events. With ongoing relief efforts, the people of Bihar are working together to rebuild their homes, crops, and lives. However, more needs to be done to prepare for such natural calamities in the future. The state government’s swift response and commitment to provide compensation and aid to the affected families is a step in the right direction as Bihar recovers from this tragic event.