DHAKA: At least 44 people were killed and 100 others injured as a heavy storm with rain and hail swept through northern and north-eastern districts of Bihar on Tuesday night.

The storm also destroyed standing crops and property worth several crores of rupees, reports the Times of India.

With the meteorological department not issuing any alert, people in Madhepura, Katihar, Saharsa, Madhubani, Darbhanga, Samastipur, Sitamarhi and Bhagalpur districts were caught unawares.

The worst hit was, however, Purnia district, 320km east of Patna, where winds blowing at a speed of 70 kmph claimed at least 32 lives — including 17 in the Dagarua block alone — and injured over 80 people.

Home minister Rajnath Singh will be visiting Bihar to take stock of the situation, PM Modi tweeted.

BDST: 0918 HRS, APR 23, 2015
BD/