Thirteen persons have lost their lives in the
thunderstorm and lightning that struck several parts of central Uttar Pradesh
on Saturday night. Eight deaths were reported from Unnao and five from Kannauj
districts. Large damage to property has also been reported from various
districts. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has expressed grief at
the loss of life and has announced a compensation of Rs four lakh each for the
kin of the deceased and proper treatment for the injured persons. Unnao Additional
District Magistrate (ADM) Rakesh Singh said, "As many as eight people died in
rain and thunderstorm in the district. A 14-year-old girl and a 45-year-old man
died when they were struck by lightning in Japsara village. A 70-year-old woman
also sustained serious injuries due to lightning and was rushed to Sumerpur
primary health centre, where doctors declared her dead." The ADM said a
38-year-old resident of Harishchandrapur died after he was struck by lightning
while a 26-year-old resident of Basti Kheda died when a tree fell on him. Two
persons from Semrimau and Parshuram Purwa villages died when trees fell on them
during the thunderstorm. (IANS)