Lightning, thunderstorms kill 23 in north India

At least 23 people were killed in northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh due to thunderstorms and lightning, officials said Wednesday.

The lightening and thunderstorms have struck the western and central parts of the state since Monday evening.

"A total of 23 deaths were reported in the lightening and thunderstorms," an official said. "The deaths were reported from Auraiyya, Unnao, Kanpur Deha, Etawah and Raebareli districts."

The winds accompanying the bad weather uprooted hundreds of trees, electric poles and roadside hoardings, disrupting train and road services in the affected areas.

The severe storms also damaged mango crops in mango belt of Malihabad of Lucknow, Meerut and other western districts, officials said.

Reports said several flights going to Delhi were diverted to Lucknow and later allowed to land in the national capital after the weather improved.
 [Xinhua - globaltimes.cn]
25/5/16
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