26 killed in dust storms, by lightning

As many as 26 people were killed due to dust storms and lightning strikes in Uttar Pradesh, an official spokesman said on Saturday.

Dust storms and lightning hit places in 11 districts of the state on Friday night resulting in the deaths, he said.

While five deaths each were reported from Jaunpur and Sultanpur, four died in Unnao, three each in Chandauli and Bahraich, two in Rae Bareli and one each in Mirzapur, Sitapur, Amethi and Pratapgarh, the spokesman said.

Kannauj district was also affected by a dust storm but no casualty was reported from there, he said.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed district magistrates of the affected areas to immediately provide compensation to the families of those killed and said no laxity will be tolerated.

Expressing grief over the deaths, he said the state government will extend all possible help to those hit by dust storms and related incidents, according to a spokesperson.

The weather office has warned that thunderstorm, accompanied by gusty winds, is "very likely" at isolated places in the state on Sunday.