Lightning strikes kill 5 in India's Uttar Pradesh

At least five people were killed in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh due to lightning strikes, officials said Thursday.

The lightning struck during the past 24 hours five districts located east of Lucknow city, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh.

"Five persons were killed and one injured due to lightning in the last 24 hours in the eastern part of state," an official at state disaster management said. "The deaths, one each, have been reported from Prayag raj, Ayodhya, Mau, Ballia and Basti districts."

According to officials, the victims were either working in their farms or have taken shelter under trees during the lightning strikes.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has expressed grief over the deaths and has announced a monetary relief for the families of the deceased.

He also ordered officials to provide proper medical care to the injured and extend help to the families of victims of this natural calamity.

Last month 24 persons were killed and 12 others injured due to lightning in the state.

At present India is in the grip of southwest monsoon and most parts are experiencing heavy to very heavy rainfall, besides extremely heavy spells at isolated spots.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in the next five days in six states, including Uttar Pradesh.