Lightning claims 21 lives in UP

At least 21 people, including a child, were killed and more than 12 seriously injured after being struck by lightning in different parts of Uttar Pradesh.

Parts of the state have been experiencing heavy showers since Thursday. 

According to the reports, seven people were killed and 18 others injured after being struck by lightning in Fatehpur district late on Thursday night. One person, who was struck by lightning at Akbarpur village in Chitrakoot district, died on way to the hospital.

A man and his minor son were killed at Marjha village in Banda district, about 200 km from here, after they were struck by lightning. Lightning also struck another person in the same district while he was working in his field at Paras village killing him on the spot, reports said.Deaths from lightning were also reported from Jhansi and some other districts.

Heavy rain brought much needed relief to the people who had been reeling from the sultry weather for the past several days, but caused widespread damage in many parts of the state. Reports said many houses had collapsed during the rain at many places.

The rainfall has also resulted in a sharp decline in the demand for power in the state.