Lucknow/Bhadohi/Patna: At least 23 people were killed and 29 others injured after being struck by lightning in various districts of Uttar Pradesh on Saturday, while Bihar reported twenty casualties due to the electric discharge from five districts of Bihar.
Nine casualties were reported from Bhojpur, five from Saran, three from Kaimur, two from Patna and one death was reported in Buxar, the Bihar disaster management department said.
While in UP, eight people lost their lives in Allahabad, six in Mirzapur, two in Kaushambi and one in Jaunpur, according to an official statement.
A report from the Relief Commissioner’s Office said that nine others in Prayagraj, 10 in Mirzapur and four in Kaushambi suffered serious burns.
UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has expressed deep anguish over the loss of lives and directed respective district magistrates to extend ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh to the next of kin of those killed.
He also asked the officials to ensure that proper medical treatment is provided to the injured, the statement said.
A report from Bhadohi said six people were killed and at least six others injured in different parts of the district.
Meanwhile, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed grief over the deaths and announced Rs 4 lakh as ex-gratia for the next of kin of each of the deceased.
Kumar appealed to the people of the state to remain alert and vigilant, and stay indoors. He also urged people to follow advisories issued by the disaster management department.
Over 130 people have died in Bihar due to lightning strikes in the state in the last 10 days. Eight people were killed in lightning strikes on Friday, while 26 people died on July 2. (PTI)
