At least 21 people died in India’s eastern state of Bihar in lightning incidents amid rains over the past 24 hours.

An official at the state’s disaster management authority on Tuesday said those who died were farmers or workers in agriculture fields who were busy sowing crops or engaged in other agriculture-related activities.

According to the official, the deaths were reported around 10 districts in the state.

The official added that Purnia and Araria reported four deaths. Three died in the Supaul district, two were reported each from Banka, Jamui and Nawada, and one occurred each in Begusarai, Sheikhpura, Saran and Saharsa.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced a monetary compensation of 400,000 Indian rupees ($5,023) for each of the bereaved families.

The chief minister advised the people to be alert during inclement weather.

“People must follow the directions issued by the state disaster management authority to save themselves from lightning incidents. One must stay indoors during inclement weather,” he said. 

(Xinhua/NAN)