NEW DELHI, June 3 (Xinhua) -- At least seven people were killed as gusty winds accompanied by rain caused widespread destruction in India's eastern state of Bihar, the state-run broadcaster All India Radio (AIR) said Tuesday.
The deaths took place on Monday evening in Siwan district, 138 km northwest of Patna, the capital city of Bihar.
According to officials, high-speed winds uprooted trees and collapsed walls in the district.
"In Bajitpur village of Lakhdinabiganj block, a tree fell on a moving vehicle, killing a resident. Two women lost their lives in separate incidents during gusty winds in the same block," the broadcaster said. "In the Basantpur block, three deaths were reported due to the falling of a tree and wall collapse during rain and gusty winds. An elderly woman lost her life in the GB Nagar police station area when a huge tree fell on her thatched house."
The Disaster Management Department in the state has appealed to people to maintain alertness given inclement weather, including high-speed winds, rainfall and the probability of lightning in North and Western parts.
Torrential rains over the past four days hit India's northeastern states, wreaking havoc and triggering landslides and flash floods. The situation resulted in the deaths of over 40 people. ■
