Asia-Pacific

Lightning strikes in India leave 56 dead and 24 injured

Majority of victims were farm labourers working in fields in Indian state of Bihar

Indian commuters make their way through through the rain in Amritsar as some 56 people have been killed by lightning over the past two days. Photograph: AFP/Getty Images
Indian commuters make their way through through the rain in Amritsar as some 56 people have been killed by lightning over the past two days. Photograph: AFP/Getty Images
Wed Jun 22 2016 - 09:24

Fifty-six people have been killed by lightning in the eastern Indian state of Bihar.

A top official in Bihar said 24 other people were injured when thunderstorms and monsoon rains lashed at least 14 districts of the state.

The victims were mostly farm labourers who were working in fields.

Disaster management official Vyasji said on Wednesday that scores of cattle also perished after being struck by lightning.

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The dead included at least eight shepherds out grazing their sheep, said Vyasji, who uses only one name.

Lightning strikes are common during India’s monsoon season, which runs from June to September. However, the past day’s toll in Bihar was unusually high.

PA