More than 79 people have been reportedly killed and numerous others were injured in Bihar as heavy to extremely heavy Monsoon rainfall along with lightning strikes lashed the entire region.
The victims were mainly farm labourers but also included shepherds watching their sheep.
Scores of cattle also died after being struck by lightning.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: “Deeply anguished by loss of lives due to lightning. My thoughts & prayers are with those who lost their near & dear ones. May the injured recover quickly.”
The state official said he expected the death toll to rise as reports come in from remote parts of the state.
Lightning strikes are common during India’s monsoon season, which runs from June to September.
However, the number of casualties in Bihar is unusually high.
Agencies/Canadajournal