Asianet NewsableAsianet Newsable

Lightning strikes kills 41 as heavy rains lash Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh

The incident took place when people were taking selfies at a watch tower amid rain in the Rajasthan capital, the police said.
 

Lightning strikes kills 28 as heavy rains lash Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh-dnm
Author
Lucknow, First Published Jul 12, 2021, 10:37 AM IST

Uttar Pradesh Relief Commissioner Ranvir Prasad on Monday informed that 41 people died due to lightning strikes across 16 districts in the state on Sunday night.

"As per the available information, 41 people have died due to lightning strikes across 16 districts in the state and 30 people have been injured. Taking note of this incident, Rs 4 lakhs ex-gratia each will be provided to kin of the deceased," Prasad told ANI.

Those killed include seven children in Jaipur, Kota, Jhalawar and Dholpur districts, the police said. The incident took place when people were taking selfies at a watch tower amid rain in the Rajasthan capital, the police added.

A number of them sustained injuries as they jumped off the watch tower in panic. Twenty-seven people are reported to have been on the watch tower and the fort wall when the incident happened.

In Jhalawar's Lalgaon village, a 23-year-old shepherd, identified as Tara Singh Bheel, was killed on the spot after a bolt of lightning struck him. Two buffaloes were also killed in the incident, police said.

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the families of those killed. He has also ordered compensation for the injured.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deepest condolences over the deaths.

"Many people have lost their lives due to lightning in some areas of Rajasthan. Deeply saddened by the demise of people. I express my deepest condolences to the families of those killed: PM @narendramodi," Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a tweet.

The monsoon, however, gave a miss to national capital Delhi which is reeling under heatwave-like conditions. The increased humidity has added to the woes of the people living here.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD), meanwhile, said it is expecting a good spell of rain in Delhi and other nearby areas on Monday.

NOTE: Asianet News humbly requests everyone to wear masks, sanitize, maintain social distancing and get vaccinated as soon as eligible. Together we can and will break the chain #ANCares #IndiaFightsCorona 

Follow Us:
Download App:
  • android
  • ios