India, Aug. 12 -- At least nine people were killed in lightning strikes in three districts of Bihar, an official statement said on Tuesday.

The deaths were reported in the last 24 hours.

Five deaths were reported in Banka, three in Lakhisarai and one in Patna district, the CMO statement issued this evening said.

The state government announced an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh each for the next of kin of the deceased, it added.

Three women belonging to the same family were among the five people who lost their lives in lightning strikes in Banka.

In Porai village in Bausi police station in Banka, Kushmi Devi (45), Rinku Devi (35) and Renu Devi (38), all belonging to the same family, died in a lightning strike while they were outside their home...