11 killed, eight injured in lightning, unseasonal rains lash MP

Bhopal, Mar 9 (UNI) Eleven persons were killed today and eight injured when lightning struck them, in Madhya Pradesh today, even as unseasonal rains accompanied by hailstorm lashed many parts of the state, throwing normal life out of gear.

About 25 persons have been killed during the past fortnight in rain-related incidents, while incessant rainfall and hailstorm had damaged crops -- mainly wheat, gram and mustard -- at several places besides causing damage to property.

The phase of rainfall and hailstorm re-started today and is expected to continue for the next 2-3 days.

Meteorological department said an upper air cycer, traced to border regions of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, was moving towards the state, bringing showers. The cycer will reach eastern Madhya Pradesh by Saturday causing heavy rainfall.

Four persons were killed and one injured when lightning struck them in Khandwa, while three persons were killed and one injured in Khargone in a similar incident.

A woman was killed by lightning in Dewas, while a 10-year-old was killed and five persons, including two girls, injured in Badwani.

The injured were admitted to a hospital in Sendhwa tehsil headquarters.

A farmer died when lightning struck him in Guna, while six CRPF jawans were injured and hospitalised after strong winds and hailstorm uprooted their tents in Shivpuri.

The state capital witnessed a cloudy sky with downpour for about an hour during afternoon followed by drizzle causing a dip in maximum and minimum temperatures.

Crops suffered damages in about 200 hectare due to hailstorm in Morena in Gwalior Chambal division. Agriculture Department Deputy Director J P Verma said 25-30 per cent of grams, mustard and wheat crops had been affected in 30 villages Kailaras and Sabalgadh tehsils.

Indore recorded 5.3 mm rainfall, while Khajuraho and Gwalior recorded two and one cm respectively.

Guna, Sagar and Khajuraho recorded the lowest temperature at 17 degree Celsius.

UNI Team-PS PK RK2128