At least 69 people have lost their lives this week following unusually intense thunderstorms that swept through eastern India’s Bihar state and neighboring Nepal, according to disaster officials. The tragic events, largely attributed to deadly lightning strikes, have reignited concerns over the growing impact of climate change on extreme weather patterns in South Asia.
Bihar, one of India’s most densely populated and disaster-prone states, reported 61 fatalities after fierce thunderstorms accompanied by lightning struck on Thursday and Friday. State disaster management authorities confirmed the deaths, noting that the toll could rise as more reports are verified.
Meanwhile, in Nepal, lightning strikes killed eight people across various regions on Wednesday and Thursday. The country, known for its mountainous terrain and monsoon weather, often experiences such incidents, but this week’s strikes were particularly deadly.
The India Meteorological Department has issued fresh warnings for Bihar, forecasting more heavy rainfall and thunderstorms over the weekend. This has prompted local authorities to remain on high alert and urge residents to take precautions.
Experts have long cautioned that rising global temperatures are fueling an increase in extreme weather events. According to a study by researchers from Fakir Mohan University in Odisha, lightning caused 101,309 deaths in India between 1967 and 2020. Alarmingly, the frequency of lightning-related fatalities surged significantly between 2010 and 2020, coinciding with intensified climate changes.
India currently records nearly 1,900 lightning-related deaths annually. The trend is expected to continue worsening, especially in rural areas where outdoor labor and limited infrastructure make people more vulnerable.
“These tragedies underscore the urgent need for climate resilience and public awareness,” said a spokesperson from Bihar’s disaster management authority. “People must be educated on lightning safety, and governments must enhance early warning systems and infrastructure.”
As climate change continues to reshape weather patterns, countries like India and Nepal face mounting challenges. The recent thunderstorms serve as a stark reminder of the deadly consequences of inaction in addressing environmental degradation and climate adaptation.
The governments of both countries are expected to intensify efforts to safeguard vulnerable populations as the monsoon season progresses.
