The Bihar Disaster Management Department said the Gopalganj district recorded the highest number of deaths, with 13 people killed. The rest of the deaths were recorded in 22 separate areas across the state.
All deaths were recorded on Thursday. A standard compensation of $ 5,300 has been initiated for all families who have lost loved ones, said Sandeep Kumar, an official with the Bihar Department of Disaster Management.
Deeply dependent monsoon season economy
Deaths in India often occur among farmers, who head outside to prepare their fields just as the monsoon rains arrive. They want to cut it as close as possible to the onset of the rains. For example, if they plant too early it is still hot and the crop will die, but if it is too close to the start they are vulnerable in open fields during thunderstorms.
The monsoon rains in India begin in its southern parts, generally in early June. They move north throughout the month, usually covering the entire country in early July.
The start of this year came a little earlier than planned, but it was not particularly unusual. So far in June, rainfall across the country has been approximately 20% above normal, with the highest amounts in central India, according to the Indian Department of Meteorology.
CNN’s Swati Gupta reported from New Delhi and Taylor Ward reported from Atlanta. Emma Reynolds wrote from London.
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