Lightning from Indian monsoon storms kills 56 people and scores of cattle

Fifty-six people have been killed by lightning in the eastern Indian state of Bihar over the past 24 hours.

At least 24 other people were injured when thunderstorms and monsoon rains lashed 14 districts, a state official said.

The victims were mostly farm labourers working in the fields.

Disaster management official Vyasji said scores of cattle also perished after being struck by lightning.

The dead included at least eight shepherds watching their sheep, said Vyasji, who uses only one name.

He told reporters that he expects the death toll to go up as reports come in from remote parts of the state.

Lightning strikes are common during India's monsoon season, which runs from June to September. However, the toll in Bihar is unusually high.