120 killed in storm in WB, Bihar, Assam

Kishangunj, Apr 15: A severe storm ripped through 11 districts of Bihar, West Bengal and Assam at 125 km per hour, killing at least 120 people, injuring hundreds and leaving hundreds of thousands homeless.

According to reports, Bihar accounted for the highest number of 77 deaths in five districts in the storm that struck at midnight on Tuesday, Apr 12.

The fatalities in Bihar occurred in Purnia (33), Araria (33), Katihar (7), Supaul (2) and Kishenganj (2) districts.

In West Bengal, all 39 deaths were reported from in North Dinajpur district while in Assam 4 died in Dhubri district.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 1.50 lakh to next of kin of each of the deceased.

He also ordered construction of pucca houses under the Indira Awas Yojana and foodgrains.

West Bengal government said Rs 2 lakh would be paid to next of kin of each of those who were killed in North Dinajpur.

OneIndia News