Bihar storm toll rises to 22

Bhabhua (Bihar), May 8 (PTI) The toll in the thunderstorm
and rains that lashed Bihar state in east India rose to 22
after thirteen more deaths were reported from Kaimur and
Nawada districts Saturday.
Official sources said 12 deaths were reported from
Kaimur, followed by four from Nalanda, two each from Gaya,
Nawada and Rohtas.
A thunderstorm accompanied by rains Friday lashed
Patna, Saran, Muzaffarpur, Gaya, Jehanabad, Jamui, Munger,
Darbhanga, East Champaran, West Champaran, Kaimur and Rohtas
districts causing widespread damage to houses, crops and
uprooted hundreds of trees, they said.
Power supply and telephones were disrupted while rail
traffic was affected in large parts of the state.
This was the second storm in the state in a month.
Last month, 93 people were killed and thousands of huts
destroyed when a tornado hit Araria, Purnia, Kishanganj,
Katihar and Supaul.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced ex-gratia
of Rs 1.5 lakh, including Rs 50000 from CM's Relief Fund to
the next of kin of each who died in the storm.
He asked the district authorities and state disaster
management department to intensify relief and rescue measures.
Kumar spoke to Union Minister for Science and Technology
Prithvi Raj Chouhan and urged him to depute a team of experts
to strengthen the meteorological office here. PTI