Nature's Havoc: Lightning Kills Over 75; Most Of India Drenched

In Himachal Pradesh, several districts including Kangra and Dalhousie witnessed heavy rain after days of hot weather. A cloudburst in Dharamshala led to flash floods, wrecking several properties.

Image: PTI

New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had predicted heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places over several parts of north India for July 12. While national capital finally received rains on Tuesday after days of delay; multiple states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu, Punjab, Rajasthan have expressed concern over recent outbreak of natural calamity.

Incessant heavy rains and thunderstorm crippled the normal life and triggered a flood-like situation in several districts of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Around 40 people have died due to lightning in Uttar pradesh, about 20 people lost their lives and seven people died in Madhya Pradesh. 

In Himachal Pradesh, several districts including Kangra and Dalhousie witnessed heavy rain after days of hot weather. A cloudburst in Dharamshala led to flash floods, wrecking several properties. Two persons went reportedly missing in Kangra district after incessant rains caused flash floods in Dharamshala. 

In Rajasthan, 20 people, including 7 children, lost their lives in several incidents of lightning in different parts of the state. 21 other people have been injured in this natural calamity. The injured are undergoing treatment.

Taking cognizance of the natural calamity, the Union Home Ministry came forward to extend all possible help to the state government. Union Home Minister Amit Shah informed that National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been rushed to the affected areas to carry out rescue and relief work. 

PM Modi has announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakhs each from PM National Relief Fund to the next of kin of those who lost their lives due to lightning in parts of Rajasthan. Rs. 50,000 to be provided to the injured, informed the Prime Minister's office.