At least 53 persons were killed in severe storm and lightning during the intervening night of Sunday and Monday in several parts of West Bengal, Delhi, Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, it was informed by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The storm wrecked havoc in these four states, uprooting tress, cable lines and severely affecting normal life. Transport services were hit in many places.
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While 39 people lost their lives in Uttar Pradesh alone, the heavy thunderstorms claimed nine in Andhra Pradesh, four in West Bengal and one in Delhi. Around 65 people were left injured in the calamity. Local reports suggest at least 13 people were killed in different pockets of West Bengal.
Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced compensation to the families of the dead and assured that the state government would help in rebuilding the damaged houses. The state had witnessed 46 deaths since April 30, said the state disaster management department.
India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted further thunderstorms and squall with the highest speed of 70kmph could hit in several parts of north and east India in next 72 hours.
Earlier, at least 134 people died across north India due to heavy dust storm and thunderstorms on May 2.