Patna, May 29 : The weather across Bihar witnessed a dramatic change on Friday as several districts experienced heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds and lightning strikes.

While the sudden showers brought relief from the intense heat and humidity, tragic incidents linked to lightning strikes claimed four lives across the state.

A tragic incident occurred in Kishun Chak village under the Bhadwar police station area of Dumaria block in Gaya district, where a farmer died after being struck by lightning.

The deceased has been identified as Dinesh Yadav.

According to local residents, Dinesh Yadav had gone out on Friday morning to graze his buffaloes, as he did regularly.

He had reached the Hariitar area in Bijua Barwadih, nearly one km away from the village, when the weather suddenly deteriorated.

Amid thunder and lightning, a powerful lightning strike hit him directly.

Villagers rushed to the spot after hearing about the incident, but he had already succumbed to his injuries.

Family members also arrived at the site shortly afterward.

The incident left the family devastated, and his wife reportedly collapsed upon seeing his body.

His family includes his wife, two sons, and two daughters. One of his daughters had recently been married.

Upon receiving information about the incident, Station House Officer (SHO) Sachin Kumar reached the site with police personnel.

The SHO said, "The police have taken custody of the body and sent it to Anugrah Narayan Magadh Medical College Hospital for post-mortem examination. Government assistance will be provided to the dependent family under the disaster relief scheme."

Another tragic lightning incident was reported from Gularved village in the Barachatti block of Gaya district.

Seventeen-year-old Manisha Kumari lost her life, while her mother, Gauri Devi, sustained severe burn injuries.

According to an official, the mother and daughter had stepped outside their house when sudden rain began.

In an attempt to protect themselves from the downpour, they took shelter beneath a Mahua tree near the village. Moments later, lightning struck the tree directly.

Manisha Kumari died immediately due to the impact, while her mother suffered serious injuries and is currently undergoing treatment.

Apart from incidents in Gaya, one individual was killed due to a lightning strike in Saran district. The deceased was identified as Chandrama Choudhary.

Another person was killed during the lightning strike in Patna.

Meanwhile, the weather in Sitamarhi district changed abruptly on Friday afternoon as dark clouds covered the sky, followed by heavy rainfall and strong winds.

The sudden change brought much-needed relief from the scorching summer heat and humidity.

However, the storm also caused significant disruption.

Trees and electric poles were damaged in several areas, small trees and tin sheds reportedly collapsed, and the power supply was interrupted in many localities.

According to the Meteorological Department, strong winds along with light to moderate rainfall are expected to continue in the district over the coming days.

/IANS