In Bihar, nine more deaths have been reported today from various districts of the state, taking the toll in the thunderstorm and rains that lashed the state to 17. Official sources said eight deaths were reported from Kaimur, followed by four from Nalanda, two each from Gaya and Nawada and one in Rohtas. <br/> <br/>Thunderstorm accompanied by rains lashed Patna, Saran, Muzaffarpur, Gaya, Jehanabad, Jamui, Munger, Darbhanga, East Champaran, West Champaran, Kaimur and Rohtas districts yesterday causing widespread damages to houses, crops and uprooting hundreds of trees. Power supply and phone connectivity were disrupted and rail traffic affected in large parts of Bihar. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced an ex-gratia of 1.5 lakh rupee to the kin of each dead in the storm. <br/>