Lightning kills five people in UP, death toll for this week shoots up to 10 as monsoon fury gathers pace

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Another five people were killed and eight others injured in incidents of lightning strikes that occurred at different places in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday taking the total number of such deaths during this week to 10 as the monsoon gathers momentum in the state.</p>
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Of the five deaths on Saturday, two each were registered in Gorakhpur and Lalitpur and one in Sambhal, the statement issued by the Relief Commissioner's office said.</p>
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The tragic incidents come close on the heels of five people being killed due to lightning strikes on Wednesday in the Hamirpur and Jalaun districts of the state.</p>
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In compliance with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's directives, Rs four lakh each as ex-gratia to the kin of the deceased will be provided within 24 hours, the statement said, adding that eight others who sustained injuries in these incidents in Lalitpur are being treated.</p>
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The statement said a 24×7 state-level emergency operation centre is being run by the Relief Commissioner's office for coordinating and extending help to those who have been stranded or are missing after the Amarnath flash floods on Friday.</p>
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While Bihar has been recording the highest number of deaths due to lightning, Uttar Pradesh is ranked second.</p>
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According to India's second annual Lightning Report, Bihar has reported 401 deaths due to lightning between April 1, 2020- March 31, 2021, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 238 deaths, Madhya Pradesh (228), Odisha (156), and Jharkhand (132), respectively.</p>
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Other states reported less than 100 deaths in the same period, according to the report.</p>