Some 50 people dead as thunderstorms hit India

NEW DELHI, April 17 (KUNA) -- Indian officials said Wednesday that un-seasonal thunderstorms have killed around 50 people in several parts of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra.
The Press Trust of India said quoting official sources that unseasonal rains and accompanying storm and lightning have killed at least 50 people while injuring many others and causing damage to property and crops in several parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan. North Indian state of Rajasthan was the worst hit as 21 people were killed in thunderstorms, followed by Madhya Pradesh where at least 15 people were reported killed. Gujarat saw death of 10 people while three were killed in Maharashtra in torrential rains and related incidents.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives while Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that the central government is monitoring the situation closely in the affected areas and promised to give all possible help to the affected.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department issued on Wednesday amber-coloured warning for parts of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Punjab and Bihar, saying several parts in these states may witness thunderstorms. (end) atk.hb