19 killed in lightning in MP

Bhopal, June 2 (UNI) Heavy rain accompanied by gusty winds lashed eastern and western Madhya Pradesh with at least 19 people being killed and around two dozen injured in separate incidents of lightning and other rain-related incidents.

At least 16 people died in Rewa, two in Neemuch and one in Jhabua in lightning, house collapse and other rain-related incidents.

Several incidents of roof collapses and uprooting of trees and electricity poles were reported during squall in Rewa district.

Meteorological Department Director D P Dubey said upper air cyclonic storm built over Gujarat had moved over south western Madhya Pradesh. The effect will be most in the western part of the state.

Residents got a respite from scorching heat as temperature fell down by 2-10 degree Celsius in most places.

The department forecasted rains with strong winds in Ratlam, Mandsaur, Jhabua and Shajapur districts besides some parts in Gwalior-Chambal division in the next 24 hours.

Heavy rains that started last night in Mandsaur continued till morning with the district recording 40 mm rainfall, while Khajuraho and Satna received two cm and one cm rainfall overnight respectively.

The department said some parts of Rewa, Sagar, Bhopal and Gwalior divisions received rainfall overnight.

The state capital witnessed a pleasant weather with cloudy sky throughout the day. A maximum temperature of 34.4 degrees, five notches below normal, was recorded. Indore and Gwalior recorded 29.6 and 32.4 degrees, 9-10 notches below normal, respectively.

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