Nearly 50 dead due to thunderstorms and lightning

Storms and lightning have hit several places, wreaking havoc and causing loss of life.

At least 40 people died on Monday after the storm with lightning created havoc in parts of Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh.

According to news reports, 18 people were killed in Bihar, 13 in Jharkhand and at least nine in Uttar Pradesh.

In Bihar, 4 people were killed in Gaya, 3 in Munger, five in Aurangabad, 2 in Nawada, whereas in the Katihar region of Bihar, 3 members of a family lost their lives in Pekha village of Katihar.

In Jharkhand, 3 people were killed in Ranchi while several others were injured. At least 28 people are injured, according to a leading news agency. The rain and storm havoc has also affected power and water supply in the region.

A senior government official in Uttar Pradesh said that six people were also injured in incidents of lightning.

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As many as 5 persons were killed and 4 others injured as lightning struck some parts of Unnao district last night, Principal Secretary, Information, Avinish Awasth said.

There are also reports of 2 persons each being killed in a thunderstorm in Kanpur and Rae Bareli, he said. 

Respective district magistrates have been directed to undertake rescue works and ensure distribution of relief in 24 hours, Awasthi added.

According to Meteorological Department, a thunderstorm is likely to occur over some areas in Hardoi, Sitapur, Farrukhabad districts and adjoining areas.

Last week, India Meteorological Department’s Ranchi Met Centre had issued an alert of thunderstorm activity and gusty winds. Several houses have been damaged and trees were also uprooted in the region.

Several people are also feared trapped in various parts of the states due to uprooted trees. According to weather prediction, thunderstorm accompanied with squall, gusty winds and lightning are very likely at isolated places over Bihar.