Patna, July 8: Twelve more people have been killed in lightning strikes in seven districts of Bihar, officials said on Monday. With the fresh fatalities, over 40 people have lost their lives to lightning strikes in various districts of Bihar in the last 10 days, including 22 in the last 48 hours.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed condolences over the deaths of the 12 people and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased. He appealed to the people to remain alert and vigilant and stay indoors during thunderstorms. He also urged people to follow advisories issued by the Disaster Management Department. ‘Don’t Stand Under a Tree During Thunderstorm’: Bihar Govt Issues List of Precautions During Lightning (Watch Video).

According to a statement issued by the chief minister's office (CMO) on Monday, Jamui and Kaimur reported three deaths, followed by two in Rohtas and one each in Saharsa, Saran, Bhojpur, Gopalganj.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)