July 12, 2021: A total of 68 people including children had died in separate lightning incidents across Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan on Sunday.

Uttar Pradesh has reported the highest number of deaths due to heavy lightning with 41 on Monday; seven people were reported to be dead in Madhya Pradesh.

Lightning strikes claimed 20 lives in Rajasthan on Sunday. Among the deceased, seven were children from Kota and Dholpur districts. Over 10 more people have been reported to suffer injuries.

So far, a total of 41 people have been killed in lightning strikes across UP, according to preliminary information.

According to reports, parts of UP’s Prayagraj also received rainfall where 14 people were killed in separate incidents after being struck by lightning. Five people each died in Kanpur Dehat and Fatehpur, four people in Kaushambi, three in Firozabad and one each in Unnao, Hamirpur and Sonbhadra. Two each died in Kanpur Nagar and one each lost their lives in Pratapgarh Hardoi and Mirzapur.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed the officials to provide immediate assistance.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot expressed grief over the loss of lives and announced an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh each to the kin.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday also expressed grief over the deaths of 20 people due to lightning strikes in different parts of Rajasthan on Sunday. Over 10 more were reported to suffer injuries.