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Storm kills 46 in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand

IMD warns of more rains and thunderstorms

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Locals examine the damage in Unnao in Uttar Pradesh
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Storms and lightning across Uttar Pradesh (UP), Bihar and Jharkhand killed at least 46 people in the past 24 hours. While UP reported 15 deaths, the toll in Bihar and Jharkhand stood at 19 and 12, respectively. The Unnao district in UP was worst affected with six deaths, followed by four deaths in Rae Bareli, the parliamentary constituency of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi. Two deaths each were reported from Kanpur, Pilibhit and Gonda.

Serious damages to livestock and property were also reported as hundreds of trees were uprooted, electric poles, billboards and walls fell down and power supply was disrupted when gusty winds and lightning struck Patna. The storm was followed by heavy showers in some areas including state capital Patna, which witnessed water-logging in many localities. Bihar Governor Satya Pal Malik and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed grief over the deaths. The government of Bihar announced a compensation of Rs four lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased. "It is the norm to provide the compensation in disaster-related deaths and we have directed the respective officials to expedite the relief work," said DC Yadav, disaster management minister, Bihar.

UP relief commissioner Sanjay Kumar told DNA that the district magistrates have been directed to provide immediate relief to the families in the thunderstorm affected areas. "A compensation of Rs 4 lakh has been given to the kin of those who died in Monday night's storm," he said. He added that as many as 150 people have been killed so far and 136 injured in the three major thunderstorms that wreaked havoc in the state in May alone.

The Met department has predicted heavy thunderstorm and rainfall in many regions including Bundelkhand, several western and eastern districts in the next 24 hours. In Bihar, where the toll mounted to 19, the Gaya and Aurangabad districts was worst affected with 11 deaths. Two people reportedly died in Nawada. In Munger, three people died in havoc triggered by the untimely thunderstorm. In Katihar, three members of a family died.

In neighbouring Jharkhand, 12 people lost their lives and another 28 others were injured. Several trees were uprooted in the capital city of Ranchi due to the sudden hailstorm. According to news reports, maximum number of causalities was reported in Bokaro, where eight people died. In Khunti, six persons were killed whereas in Ranchi two persons died. In Ramgarh, two persons were killed and one death was reported in Palamu, Hazaribagh and Lohardaga each.

Power supply remained disrupted in Ranchi and other areas as a result of the thunderstorm. At Ranchi Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), doctors had to postpone the operation of at least 30 patients due to non-availability of power and water. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted more thunderstorms and rain accompanied with gusty winds in UP and Bihar. Wind speed is likely to touch 50 km per hour to 70 km per hour. Kerala and coastal areas in Karnataka, Maharashtra and Goa are also likely to witness heavy rains and gusty winds reaching 60 km per hour. The IMD has added that squall is likely to keep sea conditions rough around Lakshadweep area, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and the east-central and northeast parts of the Bay of Bengal.

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