A car moves through a flooded street during monsoon rains Jammu, India, Monday, July 12, 2021. India’s monsoon season runs from June to September. (AP Photo/Channi Anand)
Lightning has killed at least 38 people across two Indian states over the past 24 hours, officials said Monday.
A majority of the deaths occurred in the western state of Rajasthan, where 11 people died after being struck by lightning near a watchtower at the 12th century Amber Fort, police said.
Senior police officer Anand Srivastava said some of the victims were taking selfies near the watchtower when lightning struck late Sunday.
Srivastava said at least nine more people were killed and nearly 20 others were injured in separate lightning strikes when the state was lashed with thunderstorms and monsoon rains.
In Uttar Pradesh, 18 people were killed by lightning on Sunday, said Manoj Dixit, a government official. Most of those killed were farm laborers working in fields.
Both state governments announced financial compensation for the families of the victims and those who were injured.
The Indian Meteorological Department has warned of more lightning in the next two days.
Lightning strikes are common during India’s monsoon season, which runs from June to September.
More than 2,900 people were killed by lightning in India in 2019, according to the the most recent official figures available.
Wondering what to watch this weekend? We suggest Beanie Babies, a very unfunny Steve Carell, a shark attack classic, and our first podcast partner pick!
Unesco called for a worldwide ban on smartphones in classrooms, claiming that excessive usage was linked to reduced educational performance and emotional problems.
Putting together a box of roses or any other type of flowers is a fun and creative task but even better when flowers last for a year like they dow at Rose Box NYC. Gal Yakir, head of operations and marketing specialist, joined Cheddar News to explain the process.
Rose Box NYC, a flower shop in New York City where rapper Cardi B has purchased from, helps arrange unique bouquets and provides attractive, preserved floral arrangements. Gal Yakir, head of operations and marketing specialist, spoke with Cheddar News behind its process.