Jharkhand’s Grim Toll: 431 Dead in 3 Months Amidst Floods, Lightning, and Snakebite Incidents

The state of Jharkhand is currently reeling from the effects of heavy rainfall, leading to significant disruption and loss of life. Both urban and rural areas are impacted, with flooding and hazardous conditions prevalent. A particularly tragic day, August 6th, saw seven people lose their lives to lightning strikes in several districts. Palamu reported four deaths, Torpa in Khunti district saw two fatalities, and Chaibasa recorded one. In the Palamu district, lightning struck and killed three women who were working in a paddy field, and another individual working in the fields. In Torpa, a father and his young son perished while seeking shelter during a severe storm. From May 1st to July 31st, the state recorded over 400 deaths due to a variety of natural disasters. Approximately 180 deaths were attributed to lightning strikes, with snake bites responsible for roughly 100 fatalities. The remaining deaths stemmed from incidents of drowning in floodwaters and building collapses.