Overview
- Authorities have confirmed 13 deaths from lightning strikes on July 24, including seven in Bankura, five in Purba Bardhaman and one in West Midnapore, with several more injured and hospitalized.
- Unofficial figures from some outlets suggest between 14 and 18 fatalities across additional districts such as Purulia and South Dinajpur, highlighting challenges in verifying casualty counts.
- The India Meteorological Department has issued warnings of persistent thunderstorms and lightning over south Bengal districts through July 27.
- West Bengal’s government has alerted seven southern districts and mobilized police, medical responders and disaster management teams to affected areas.
- A developing low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify monsoon rainfall, prompting district magistrates to bolster preparedness measures.