Lightning strikes in West Bengal: Toll rises to 18

The toll in lightning strikes during Thursday's thunderstorms in five districts of West Bengal rose to 18, an official said.

Lightning strikes claimed lives of five people in Murshidabad, four in Purba Bardhaman and three each in North 24 Parganas, Paschim Medinipur and Howrah districts, a disaster management department official said here on Friday.

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Most of the victims were farmers who were struck by lightning on Thursday while working in agricultural fields, he said.

Thunderstorms with lightning occurred in several south Bengal districts, including Kolkata, Howrah, North 24 Parganas, Purba Bardhaman and Murshidabad.