At least 13 people lost their lives in a single day due to lightning strikes across various parts of West Bengal, India. The tragic incidents occurred on Thursday, May 16, with media reports highlighting the sudden and severe weather conditions that led to these fatalities.

In the Maldah district alone, 11 people were reported dead, while two more fatalities occurred in Murshidabad and Jalpaiguri districts. Several others were injured by the lightning strikes, with some in critical condition, prompting fears from the local administration that the death toll could rise.

Authorities indicated that the heavy rainfall and lightning began abruptly around noon local time on Thursday. Many of the victims were reportedly engaged in picking mangoes at the time of the strikes, which contributed to the high number of casualties.

In response to the tragedy, the local administration has announced a compensation of two lakh rupees (approximately $2,700) for the families of the deceased. Additionally, the government has pledged to cover all medical expenses for those injured by the lightning strikes.

This incident underscores the devastating impact of sudden weather events and highlights the need for increased awareness and preparedness to mitigate such risks in the future.