UP: 16 dead and 12 injured in rain-related incidents
As many as 16 people died and 12 were injured in rain-related incidents across Uttar Pradesh since Saturday, officials said on Sunday, with the meteorological department predicting rainfall throughout the northern state for the next two days. Shahjahanpur bore the maximum brunt of the weather's onslaught on Saturday, as six people were killed in incidents of a lightning strike, while seven were injured.
UP Relief Commissioner's office issues statement
A statement by the office of the UP Relief Commissioner said on Sunday, "Six people lost their lives in Shahjahanpur, while three died in Sitapur district of the state." "Two people died each in Auraiyya and Amethi. One person each died in Lakhimpur Khiri, Rae Bareli, and Unnao," it said. "All the deaths took place yesterday," the statement added.
Six died in incidents of lightning strikes in Shahjahanpur
Eighteen animals died in the northern state, and as many as 461 houses/huts were also damaged, the UP Relief Commissioner office's statement said. The meteorological department said on Sunday widespread rainfall is predicted for eastern and western parts of the state on Monday and Tuesday. In Shahjahanpur, six people, including four children, died in various incidents of lightning strikes.
District Magistrate Amrit Tripathi on deaths reported in Shahjahanpur
Shahjahanpur District Magistrate Amrit Tripathi said some youngsters were grazing cattle in Shamsherpur on Saturday when they took shelter under a tree due to a downpour. "Mohit (24), Bablu (5), Anmol (10) and Dablu (11) died when they were struck by lightning...three were seriously injured," he said. Vandana (11) of Nabipur and Ashok (42) of Sikandarpur also lost their lives when lightning struck them.
Financial assistance of Rs. 4 lakh to kin of deceased
"Sub-Divisional Magistrate Ramji Mishra has been sent to the spot. Financial assistance of Rs. 4 lakh is being made available to kin of the deceased," Tripathi said. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem and the injured were admitted to Shahjahanpur district hospital, police said.
