Sixteen people died from lightning strikes across West Bengal on Thursday, as the state grapples with severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall triggered by a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal.
The incidents, primarily involving farmers and farm laborers, prompted weather authorities to issue alerts for several districts.
The fatalities on Thursday include four in Bankura, where Ziaul Haque Mollah (50) of Khiri village was struck while planting rice, and Uttam Bhuiyan (38) of Kharikashuli village also died. Aspia Molla was injured in a separate lightning strike in Bankura. Additionally, Ismail Mandal (60) died in Indas (Bankura district) while working in an open paddy field.
Purba Bardhaman saw six deaths, including Sanjay Hembram (28) of Aushgram, Abhijit Santra (25) of Teyandul village, Sanatan Patra (60) of Madhabdihi, Buro Maddi (64) of Chanak Krishnapur, Madan Bagdi (68) of Galsi, and Rabin Tudu (25) of Bellari village.
Many of these individuals were working in paddy fields when the storms hit.
In Purulia, Sumitra Mahato (45) and Ondar Narayan Sawar (48) died while engaged in farming, and Sajati Mahato (50) also succumbed to lightning
Paschim Bardhaman reported one death — Lakshmikanta Paan, in Chandrakosha block-2. Parimal Das (32) of Sherpur village in Purba Medinipur died, and Dakshin Dinajpur saw the death of Kalmal Sarkar (56), with one other person injured.
Many have been injured and are currently receiving treatment in local hospitals. In a separate incident in Purba Bardhaman, a woman also died after being crushed by a collapsing house wall.
The onset of the farming season meant many farmers were in their fields, making them particularly vulnerable to the sudden and intense thunderstorms, which were accompanied by hail in some areas. The incidents have caused significant panic among the agricultural community. Bodies of the deceased have been sent for autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
The low-pressure system has brought continuous rain since Thursday night, leading to significant waterlogging across Kolkata and various districts. Some areas are experiencing ankle-deep water, while others are submerged knee-deep. The IMD predicts no respite from the rain on Friday, with heavy to moderate rainfall expected. A red alert has been issued for two districts, and an orange alert for several others, encompassing both South and North Bengal. Fishermen have been advised against venturing into the sea due to the hazardous conditions. The sky remains cloudy across South Bengal, with only occasional glimpses of the sun.