30 killed, three injured in lightning strike in West Bengal

(PTI) Kolkata, Ta. 7

At least 20 people have been killed in a lightning strike in south Bengal, state disaster management officials said in a statement. According to officials, three people were killed in Murshidabad and four in Hooghly due to lightning. Two people have been killed in a lightning strike in Purba Medinipur district.

According to officials, three others were injured in a lightning strike in Murshidabad district. He was sent to Jangipur Hospital for treatment.

South Bengal, including Kolkata, received heavy rains from this afternoon. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi expressed grief over the deaths due to lightning strikes in West Bengal and announced Rs 2 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured.

This was premonsoon rain, according to the weather department. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has asked officials to remain alert following the meteorological department's forecast of heavy rains in Mumbai and other coastal areas this week.

Uddhav Thackeray said in a statement that special care should be taken to ensure that patients, including Corona, are not disrupted in treatment. He instructed people living in low-lying areas and dangerous buildings to move to safer places if needed.