Kolkata, August 5, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Four people, including three women, were killed in separate lightning strikes in West Bengal’s West Midnapore district on Wednesday as severe thunderstorms and heavy rains swept several parts of the state, police said.
The deceased included 59-year-old Tapas Sabra, who was struck by lightning in Thegamara area under Narayangarh Police Station.
In separate incidents, Sumitra Khamrui (50) died in Bargai area under Kharagpur Local Police Station, while Kajal Naik (65) and Malati Patra (47) lost their lives after lightning strikes in Radhamohanpur area of Debra Police Station.
Three other women were injured in the lightning incident at Radhamohanpur. Police said five people were working in agricultural fields when the thunderstorm struck the area.
The weather department had forecast thunderstorms accompanied by lightning in several districts of south Bengal on Wednesday. After cloudy conditions in the morning, the weather turned severe in the afternoon, with heavy rainfall reported in West Midnapore, West Burdwan, East Burdwan, Hooghly and Birbhum districts.
Several parts of Kolkata also witnessed heavy rain followed by thunderstorms during the afternoon. However, no lightning-related deaths were reported in the city till the latest reports.
Weather officials have predicted continued thunderstorm activity and heavy rainfall across several parts of West Bengal over the next few days.
On Thursday, heavy rain is expected in Bankura, Birbhum, South 24 Parganas, Nadia, North 24 Parganas, Hooghly and Howrah districts. West Midnapore and East Midnapore may receive heavy to very heavy rainfall, while Kolkata is also likely to witness more showers.
Several districts of south Bengal may continue to receive heavy rain on Friday and Saturday, with weather conditions expected to improve from Sunday.
In north Bengal, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar and Jalpaiguri districts are likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall on Thursday. Other northern districts may also witness thunderstorms and heavy showers during the week.
The weather conditions have been attributed to a monsoon trough extending from Bikaner in Rajasthan to Patna in Bihar, passing through Malda in north Bengal and Manipur. A cyclonic circulation has also developed over areas adjoining north Bengal and Bangladesh, contributing to the ongoing thunderstorms.
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