PATNA: At least 69 people lost their lives this week due to unusually severe thunderstorms across India’s Bihar state and neighbouring Nepal, officials confirmed on Saturday, as scientists warn of a growing trend in extreme weather linked to climate change.
In Bihar, disaster management authorities reported 61 deaths caused by intense thunderstorms and lightning strikes that swept across the eastern state on Thursday and Friday.
Meanwhile, in Nepal, eight fatalities were reported due to lightning strikes on Wednesday and Thursday, according to local disaster officials quoted by AFP.
Heavy Rains Continue as Threat Persists
The India Meteorological Department has forecast further heavy rainfall in Bihar on Saturday, raising concerns about additional casualties and damage in already vulnerable areas.
The storms, described as unusually intense for this time of year, highlight the growing frequency of extreme weather events across South Asia — a region highly susceptible to the impacts of climate change.
Rising Lightning Fatalities in South Asia
India, the world’s most populous country, is witnessing a disturbing surge in fatalities caused by lightning. According to researchers, nearly 1,900 people are killed annually by lightning strikes across the country.
A study led by Fakir Mohan University in the eastern state of Odisha reported that between 1967 and 2020, a staggering 101,309 people died due to lightning — with a noticeable spike in deaths recorded between 2010 and 2020.
Experts warn that climate change is significantly altering weather patterns, leading to an increased frequency and intensity of thunderstorms, flash floods, and lightning strikes.
