Heavy rainfall across several parts of Jharkhand on Tuesday brought much-needed relief from humid weather but left behind a trail of devastation, as lightning strikes claimed at least 18 lives and injured several others across the state.
Most of the victims were struck by lightning while engaged in paddy transplantation and other agricultural activities in open fields during the afternoon showers, which lasted for nearly two to three hours in many districts.
Among the deceased included Kadarun Khatoon in Garhwa district, Altamuni Marandi, Babulal Hembrom and Rohit Kunwar in Dumka, Sanjay Bhuiyan in Chatra and Pushpa Devi in Palamu and Shivnath Oraon and Upendra Oraon of Surli village in Latehar.
Giridih reported the highest casualty, where 10 people, including four teenagers, were killed after lightning struck at different locations. Nine others sustained injuries and are undergoing treatment at various hospitals.
The widespread rainfall significantly improved weather conditions across the state. Lohardaga recorded 46 mm of rainfall, while Ranchi received 35 mm.
Kanke, on the outskirts of the state capital, recorded the highest rainfall at 76 mm. Other districts also witnessed moderate showers, with Medininagar receiving 10 mm, Bokaro 12 mm, Khunti 5 mm and Simdega 23 mm.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that the spell of adverse weather is likely to continue until August 8, issuing alerts for heavy rainfall and lightning across several districts.
For August 5, heavy rain has been forecast for Garhwa, Palamu, Latehar, Deoghar, Jamtara, Dumka, Godda, Sahibganj, Pakur, West Singhbhum, East Singhbhum and Seraikela-Kharsawan.
Similar warnings have been issued for August 6 and 7 for Ranchi, Khunti, Ramgarh, Hazaribagh, Koderma, Gumla, Chatra, Palamu, Garhwa, Latehar, Lohardaga, Simdega and West Singhbhum, among other districts.
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