India, April 11 -- At least 63 people have lost their lives to rain-related incidents amid heavy lightning strikes and hailstorms in Bihar, with state disaster management authority saying that it will now closely work with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for early warnings on thunderstorms.

They said that while 39 people died due to hailstorms and rain-related incidents, 22 others were killed due to lightning strikes on Thursday.

A statement issued by the State Disaster Management Department on Friday said, "The death toll due to lightning strikes, hailstorms and rain-related incidents on Thursday climbed to 61 in several districts in Bihar."

Of all the Bihar districts, Nalanda reported the highest number of fatalities, 2...