20 killed as heavy rains wreak havoc in UP

As many as 20 people were killed and over 24 injured as heavy rain in the past 48 hours wreaked havoc in Uttar Pradesh.

Official sources said that around 20 people, including children, were killed in incidents of lightning and house collapse in different parts in the state in the past two days.

Five children were killed after being struck by lightning in Shahajahanpur district, about 175 km from here, alone.

Army and air force choppers rescued people in Lalitpur and Jhansi district, who were marooned after their village turned into an island of sorts following the floods.

The Ganga river is flowing above the danger mark at Farrukhabad, while the Ghaghra river is flowing above the danger mark in Gonda, Barabanki and Baharaich districts, sources said.

Large parts of the state witnessed heavy rain on Monday adversely affecting normal lives. 

The MeT department has predicted more rain in the state in the next 24-hours.

The state government has directed the district authorities to launch relief operations in the flood-ravaged areas.