Bihar storm toll goes up to 48

Rajnath to visit affected districts

Thousands of houses have been damaged in Tuesday’s thunderstorm in Bihar.

The death toll in Tuesday’s thunderstorm in the districts in the north-eastern border of Bihar has gone up to 48.

“Some more deaths from Purnia, Madhepura and other areas have taken the toll to 48,” Vyas Ji, Principal Secretary, State Disaster Management Department, told The Hindu .

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will make an aerial survey of Purnia and other affected districts on Friday to take stock of the situation, a release said. Purnia has been the worst affected with the highest death toll and most damage to crops and houses, Mr. Ji said.

On Thursday, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar made an aerial survey of Bhagalpur and adjoining areas and met officials to discuss speedy relief and restoration.

“I spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and they all have promised assistance,” he said.

Magistrates of all 12 affected districts have been directed to provide one quintal of foodgrains, Rs. 1,800 for buying clothes, Rs. 2,000 for buying utensils and Rs. 2,000 for other expenses to those rendered homeless, Mr. Ji said.

Maize destroyed

Officials said the storm had hit the farmers hard. “Particularly, the maize crop has been flattened,” a block-level official told The Hindu .

Thousands of tin-roof, thatched and mud houses have been ravaged, leaving many homeless. Dagarua block in Purnia is the worst hit, with 17 lives lost and hundreds homeless. “After the Kosi flood in 2008, it was the worst kind of devastation we faced on Tuesday night. I had taken a loan for farming, but the entire crop has gone,” said Mahendra Yadav from the area.