Patna, Jul 15 (PTI) At least 17 people were killed in lightning strikes in 11 districts of Bihar in the last 24 hours, an official statement said on Saturday.

According to the statement issued by the chief minister's office (CMO), Rohtas district reported five deaths, followed by two each in Aurangabad and Buxar districts.

Also Read | Ajit Pawar to Meet PM Narendra Modi on July 18 to Discuss Issues of Farmers.

Besides, Arwal, Kishanganj, Kaimur, Vaishali, Siwan, Patna, Araria and Saran districts recorded one death each.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed condolences over the deaths and announced an ex-gratia amount of Rs 4 lakh each for the next of kin of the deceased.

Also Read | Uttar Pradesh Shocker: Man Kills Alcoholic Brother for Hitting Disabled Mother in Pilibhit.

Kumar appealed to the people of the state to remain vigilant and stay indoors during thunderstorms.

He also urged people to follow advisories issued by the Disaster Management Department.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)