Nine killed in UP thunderstorm

Lucknow: Nine people were killed and over five others injured after a thunderstorm struck some parts of Uttar Pradesh, a state government spokesman said on Tuesday.

Of the nine victims, five were from Unnao district. They were struck by lightning on Monday night, the Relief Commissioner official said.

The other four deaths were reported from Rae Bareli and Kanpur rural.

"Concerned district magistrates have been asked to ensure prompt relief and see to it that the financial assistance to the injured and the victims' families get compensation in 24 hours," the official told IANS.

The Regional Met Office has predicted muggy weather and dust storms in some parts of central and eastern Uttar Pradesh in the next 24 hours. There have been rains in some parts of the state as well.