At least 21 die due to lightning

Bhopal, June 25 (UNI) At least 21 people died and over 12 injured when lightning struck them in separate incidents across Madhya Pradesh, while met department predicted the onset of monsoon in the state in 3-4 days.

''Monsoon has entered neighbouring Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh and is expected to reach Madhya Pradesh in 3-4 days,''the met department said.

Monsoonal activity has also developed over the Arabian Sea, the met department added.

Moderate to light rainfall continued to lash several parts of the state during the past two days.

Rainfall is expected in some parts of Bhopal, Hoshangabad and Jabalpur divisions in the next 24 hours.

Pre-monsoon showers had provided much-needed relief to people besides generating hope for farmers. A drop in mercury was recorded in the day and night temperatures with maximum places recording 35-37 degrees Celsius.

Heavy downpours lashed Jhabua overnight, while Thandla received 30 mm rainfall. Rivers and 'nullahs' were overflowing in Khargone, with the old bridge at Kuan river being washed away due to flood last night.

UNI SHD-PS KD KN2156