25 killed in lightning strikes in India's Bihar

At least 25 people were killed as lightning strikes and hailstorms struck several districts of the eastern Indian state of Bihar yesterday, according to an official statement.

The statement issued by Bihar Chief Minister's Office (CMO) late last night said Nalanda district reported 18 deaths, followed by two in Siwan, one each in Katihar, Darbhanga, Begusarai, Bhagalpur and Jehanabad.

On Wednesday, 13 people died in lightning strikes in four districts of Bihar.

The India Meteorological Department has issued an "orange alert" for a number of districts and also forecast heavy rainfall today and tomorrow in these districts.