Commotion As Lightning Strikes Kill 20 People In Indian State

20 people have been killed across eight districts of the eastern Indian state of Bihar following lightning strikes which hit them.

The deaths occurred within just 24 hours, BBC reports.

More thunderstorm with lightning has been forecast in northern parts of the state for Wednesday and Thursday.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has asked people to closely follow the advice by the state's disaster management authority.

Hundreds die in India every year in lightning incidents during monsoon rains.

One of the reasons cited for the high number of deaths is the large number of people working outdoors in India compared to other parts of the world, which makes them more vulnerable.

On Tuesday, Mr Kumar announced a compensation of 400,00 rupees ($5,008; £4,154) for the families of each of the deceased.

The chief minister had held a meeting last week and asked state officials to install lightning arresters at all government buildings, including schools and hospitals, The Times of India newspaper reported.

The geographical position of the state makes it particularly susceptible to frequent lightning strikes during the monsoons, the report said.