Lightning, flash floods lash north India; 52 dead, vehicles, bridge washed away

A lashing of torrential rains, cloudburst and lightning hit several north Indian states leaving several dead, washing away structures, vehicles and trees. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took stock of the situation and extended all possible support to state governments.

The Prime Minister announced ex-gratia for the families of those killed in lightning strikes in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh on Sunday. Most deaths were reported from Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan where lightning struck at several places.

Also Read | Lightning strikes kill 50 in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh: All you need to know

Here’s a look at the situation in the affected states:

UTTAR PRADESH

Uttar Pradesh was the worst-hit state where at least 41 people were killed by lightning on Sunday, 14 of them in Prayagraj. “As per info available, 41 people died due to lightning strikes across 16 districts, 30 injured. ₹4 Lakhs ex-gratia each will be provided to kin of the deceased. All the injured will get proper medical treatment. 250 animals died, 20 injured,” UP Relief Commissioner Ranvir Prasad was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. Most of the deaths were reported from rural areas and many of them were of women and children

RAJASTHAN

In Rajasthan, a group of people visiting  Amer Fort were struck by lightning killing  11 people. The group was on a watch tower near the fort taking selfies amid a thunderstorm when lightning struck. Most of those dead were youngsters. Many people jumped off the tower in panic and were seriously injured.  Twenty-seven people are reported to have been on the watch tower when the incident happened, nine died on the spot.

HIMACHAL PRADESH

Heavy rains triggered flash floods that  swept away buildings and cars at the tourist spots of Dharamshala and adjoining Mecleodganj. Bad weather also led to the closure of the airport there.  A drain near Bhagsu Nag in upper Dharamshala adjoining Mecleodganj changed its course owing to heavy rains, sweeping away four cars and several bikes, video clips showed. Two buildings were swept away in  Manjhi Khad area, near Dharamsala, while several others were  damaged, reports PTI.

The flash floods also damaged a bridge on the Mandi-Pathankot highway after which traffic was stopped on both sides, leading to a traffic jam.

As the  Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rain on July 13 and  from July 14 to 16, district officers of all the departments in Kangra district have been told to remain alert.

UTTARAKHAND

Heavy rains flooded several streams and rivulets in Uttarakhand, washing away a biker in Chamoli district on Monday, police said. The motorcyclist was trying to cross the swollen Lolti rivulet when he lost balance of the vehicle and was swept away by its gushing waters.