At least 102 people died, and several others were injured as rain, lightning, and hailstorms lashed several parts of India on Thursday, reported Indian Today.
While the rain brought much-needed respite from the scorching heat, over 100 people were killed or injured in rain-related incidents across Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand.
Bihar was the worst affected, with 80 deaths reported due to lightning and hailstorms across several districts, confirmed Disaster minister Vijay Mandal.
Chief minister Nitish Kumar announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh for the families of the deceased. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, however, claimed the toll was over 50 and urged the state to compensate affected farmers.
An 鈥榦range alert鈥� has been issued for several districts of the state including Darbhanga, Nalanda, and Patna. Heavy rainfall is forecast for Friday and Saturday in these areas. Patna recorded 42.6mm rainfall till 5.30pm Thursday, leading to waterlogging in several parts.
In Uttar Pradesh, 22 people died in different rain-related incidents across 15 districts. Fatehpur and Azamgarh reported three deaths each, while two deaths each occurred in Firozabad, Kanpur Dehat, and Sitapur. One death each was reported in Ghazipur, Gonda, Amethi, Sant Kabir Nagar, Siddharthnagar, Ballia, Kannauj, Barabanki, Jaunpur, and Unnao.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to expedite relief measures and ensure compensation of Rs 4 lakh to the next of kin. He also called for assessment of crop losses, safe storage of wheat, and immediate water drainage in waterlogged areas.
In Jharkhand, four people were injured in lightning strikes, including three senior citizens who suffered burns.
Heavy rain and hailstorms hit parts of Dhanbad, Hazaribag, and Koderma, damaging crops and uprooting trees. Daltonganj received 31.8mm rainfall, while Ranchi recorded 7.6mm.