NEW DELHI, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Lightning strikes have killed eight people in India's eastern state of Bihar as floods have affected over 3.9 million people in 14 districts, officials said on Friday.
According to officials at the Bihar disaster management department, eight people lost their lives in the past 24 hours due to lightning strikes in four districts of the state.
The deaths have taken place in Sheikhpura, Jamui, Siwan and Begusarai.
"Due to lightning three each in Sheikhpura and Jamui districts were killed, while as one death each in Siwan and Begusarai was reported," a statement issued by Bihar Chief Minister's office said.
So far nearly 200 people have been killed in lightning and thunder strikes across the state over the past several weeks.
Disaster management officials said the victims were either working inside their fields or had taken shelter under trees at the time of lightning.
Chief Minister of Bihar Nitish Kumar has expressed grief over the deaths in lightning strikes across the state and announced monetary relief for victim families.
Kumar has appealed people to take care during bad weather conditions and avoid venturing out at the time of lightning and thunderstorms.
He also urged people to strictly follow the precautionary measures issued by the disaster management office for bad weather conditions.
The meteorological department officials have cautioned people to remain vigilant as more rain and lightning strikes are expected during the next 24 hours in different parts of the state.
People have been advised to remain indoors during bad weather conditions.
Meanwhile, floods have wreaked havoc in the state's 14 districts affecting over 3.9 million people.
The floods have inundated Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Supaul, Kishanganj, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Gopalganj, East Champaran, West Champaran, Khagaria, Saran, Samastipur, Siwan and Madhubani. Enditem
