UP lightning strike: A majority of the deaths were reported in rural areas.
Over 40 people, including women and children, have been killed by lightning in Uttar Pradesh as many places in the state received showers on Sunday. A majority of the deaths - 14 - were reported in Prayagraj district.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the family of those killed. The state government announced that financial help will also be provided to those who lost their livestock in rain-related incidents.
A majority of deaths were reported in rural areas across the state. Most of them were children and women.
"As per info available, 41 people died due to lightning strikes across 16 districts, 30 injured. Rs 4 Lakhs ex-gratia each will be provided to kin of the deceased. All the injured will get proper medical treatment. 250 animals died, 20 injured," UP Relief Commissioner Ranvir Prasad was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
While Prayagraj reported 14 deaths, five deaths each were reported in Kanpur and Fatehpur districts. In Kaushambi, four people died due to lightning strike while Firozabad, Unnao and Rae Bareli reported two deaths each. Hardoi and Jhansi also reported one death each.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been briefed about the loss of lives and damages due to lightning, following which he has released funds from the PM relief fund for compensation to the family members of those killed, his office said today.
On Saturday, scattered rainfall was reported in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan - where 20 people lost their lives in lightning strike.
Light to moderate rain and thundershowers were reported at isolated places in Uttar Pradesh, while other districts, including Maharajganj, Gorakhpur, Rae Bareli, Sant Kabir Nagar, Allahabad, Balrampur, Bahraich and Jhansi received rainfall.
Fatehgarh was the hottest place in Uttar Pradesh where mercury soared to 42.5 degrees Celsius.
"The conditions continue to remain favourable for further advance of southwest monsoon over Delhi, remaining parts of west Uttar Pradesh, some more parts of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan during the next 24 hours," the IMD said on Sunday.