Jharkhand News : The monsoon has regained momentum in Jharkhand following the formation of a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal. Widespread rainfall was recorded across most parts of the state on Tuesday, accompanied by strong winds and lightning in several districts. Over the past 24 hours, 20 people lost their lives due to lightning strikes, while more than a dozen others sustained burn injuries.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Yellow Alert for heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds across various parts of the state until August 8.
Giridih Worst Affected
The worst impact was reported from Giridih district, where 11 people died due to lightning.
In one of the most tragic incidents, four teenagers were killed after lightning struck a tree under which they were sitting and playing games on their mobile phones near Gosai Ahar at Devpahari in Deori police station area. Another teenager was seriously injured. Three of the deceased were cousins.
In another incident, a farmer working in a paddy field in Tilaydih village of Deori died after being struck by lightning. A labourer seeking shelter under a tree at a construction site in Bagodar also lost his life.
Deaths Reported from Other Districts
Apart from Giridih:
- Three people died in Dumka.
- Two people lost their lives in Latehar.
- One death each was reported from Chatra, Garhwa, and Palamu.
Most of the victims were working in agricultural fields or had taken shelter under trees during the rain.
Good Rainfall Across Several Districts
Heavy rainfall was recorded in Ranchi and several other districts on Tuesday.
Rainfall recorded included:
- Kanke (Ranchi): 76 mm
- Ranchi city: 35 mm
- Lohardaga: 45 mm
- Simdega: 23 mm
- Bokaro: 11 mm
- Daltonganj: 10 mm
Continuous rainfall kept the maximum temperature in Ranchi between 27°C and 28°C, making the weather pleasant.
Yellow Alert Till August 8
According to the IMD, the low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal will keep the monsoon active across Jharkhand over the next several days. Many districts are likely to experience heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and wind speeds of 40–50 km/h.
August 5: Ranchi, East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, Seraikela-Kharsawan, Godda, Sahibganj, Dumka, Pakur, Deoghar, and Jamtara.
August 6: Ranchi, Hazaribagh, Koderma, Ramgarh, Lohardaga, Gumla, Khunti, Palamu, Garhwa, and Chatra.
August 7: Simdega, East Singhbhum, Lohardaga, Gumla, Ranchi, Khunti, Garhwa, Palamu, and Latehar.
August 8: Lohardaga, Gumla, Latehar, Palamu, and Garhwa.
Safety Advisory
The IMD has advised people to avoid staying in open fields, agricultural land, or under trees during thunderstorms and lightning. Residents have also been urged to follow official weather advisories and move to safe shelters whenever severe weather conditions develop.
