In the last day, fierce thunderstorms and lightning have claimed the lives of at least 100 individuals in northern India, according to local officials. The state of Bihar has experienced the most significant impact, with a reported 82 fatalities, including 20 in a single district. Uttar Pradesh has also been affected, reporting 18 deaths, while one fatality occurred in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand. Additionally, neighboring Nepal recorded at least eight deaths due to similar weather conditions.

The majority of the victims were outside when the storms occurred, despite warnings from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) about the severe weather. At least twelve states were placed on yellow alert for thunderstorms. However, challenges in disseminating accurate information and responding to such events persist, particularly in rural regions of India. Reports indicate that many individuals in agricultural areas of Uttar Pradesh were working in fields when the storms struck, leading to injuries and property damage as well.

Authorities are advising residents to remain indoors as more storms are anticipated shortly. The chief ministers of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have announced compensation packages of 4 lakh rupees to support the victims’ families. While the storms have provided some respite from the severe heatwave gripping northern India—causing a temporary dip in temperatures by 3 to 5 degrees Celsius—the IMD warns that temperatures are expected to rise again soon.

Looking ahead, further heavy rain and thunderstorms are forecasted in parts of Bihar over the coming days, affecting districts like Madhubani, Darbhanga, and Patna, among others. Lightning has emerged as the leading natural hazard in India, accounting for 36 percent of weather-related deaths. This troubling trend has seen over 101,000 fatalities associated with lightning strikes between 1967 and 2020, with an increasing frequency over the last decade attributed to climate change.

The rise in fatalities from lightning strikes is exacerbated by factors such as deforestation and an increase in outdoor work. A study by India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences highlighted a 30 percent increase in lightning activity from 2020 to 2022. Experts suggest that warmer air holds more moisture, leading to more vigorous storm-related activities, which elevates the risk of lightning strikes. Although initiatives like the Lightning Resilient India campaign and real-time alert apps such as Damini have been launched, access to these resources remains limited in remote areas where fatal strikes are most common.