At least 83 people were killed in the north-eastern state of Bihar, and more 24 people were killed in Uttar Pradesh in a single day due to lightning.
Highlights:
- More than 100 people were killed in different incidents of lightning strikes across Bihar and UP.
- 83 people were killed in Bihar while 24 were killed in UP.
- State governments have announced financial help for grieving families.
Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi offered his condolences to the grieving families on Twitter.
He said he state governments of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are promptly responding to the situation.
"I have received news of people dying in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh due to heavy rains and lightning. State governments are promptly providing relief work. I offer my condolences to the families of the dead."
A total of 23 incidents of lightning strikes were recorded in Bihar, according to the state's Disaster Management Department. Thirteen people were killed in Gopalganj district, the highest death toll in one incident. The rest of the deaths were recorded in 22 separate areas across the state.
In Uttar Pradesh, the largest state of India, 24 people were killed in 8 different incidents. Nine people were killed in Deoria district.
Both state governments have announced an ex gratia of INR 400,000 (approximately $75,00 AUD) each for the families of people killed in the incidents.
India's defence minister Rajnath Singh and Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee were among the political leaders who extended their condolences. Chief Minister of West Bengal, said in a tweet that she was, "very disturbed" by the deaths.
