Over 40 killed in UP rains

Lucknow, June 22 (IANS) Over 40 persons were killed in the heavy rains and related incidents across Uttar Pradesh, an official said on Wednesday.

Heavy rains accompanied by lightning hit many parts of the state on Tuesday.

Officials said two dozen people were killed in the Varanasi and Azamgarh divisions while 11 died in Basti and Gorakhpur divisions.

Three persons died in Kanpur after being struck by lightning and four people were killed in the Lucknow division, he further informed.

Maximum casualties have been reported from Ballia (eight) followed by Ghazipur (six), Jaunpur (three), Mau (two), Sonbhadra (one). One person each was killed in Azamgarh, Chandauli and Varanasi.

Three persons were struck by lightning at Bharwalia village in Siddharthanagar.

Maharajganj reported one death, Deoria two persons and Kushinagar four.

Officials said relief operations were undertaken by district administrations and that compensation as per laid down norms and rules in cases of death due to natural calamities will be paid to the families of those who have died.