NEW DELHI, June 9 (Xinhua) -- At least 20 people have been killed in heavy rains and thunderstorms in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, officials said Saturday.
All the deaths took place across several districts of the state in the past 24 hours.
"While some people died after trees and power poles uprooted by thunderstorms fell on them, others were killed after being struck by intense bursts of lightning," an official said.
"Five people died in Jaunpur district and five others in Sultanpur district. Similarly, four persons died in Unnao district and three each in Baharaich and Chandauli districts," he said.
Scores have been injured in the natural calamities also, the official added.
The state government has reportedly announced a compensation of 400,000 rupees (6,000 U.S. dollars) for the families of each of the deceased.
India's Meteorological Department has predicted more rains and thunderstorms in the next 48 hours in these two states. "These are pre-monsoon showers," an official said.
Some 250 people were killed and over 400 others injured in heavy rains, thunderstorms and dust storms in five Indian states last month.
