Lightning, thunderstorm claim 28 lives in Maharashtra

At least 26 people were killed in different incidents of lightning and thunderstorm across Maharashtra in the past 24 hours.

Heavy rains accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning have been lashing various parts of the state for the past three days.

At least 13 people were killed when struck by lightning in the Marathwada region, while lightning claimed eight lives in Vidarbha - including four in Nagpur district, three in Yavatmal and one in Wardha district. Most of the victims were farmers and farm labourers.

Meanwhile, hailstorm damaged the standing crop at Chandur Bazaar in Amravati district.

In Nashik, district lightning killed two, while three of a family were killed when a bolt of lightning struck temple in Devdaithan in Jamkhed taluka of Ahamadnagar district.

Heavy rain also lashed Pune that increased the water level in Khadakwasala Dam. All four projects of Khadakwasala Dam received more than 142 mm rainfall.

The Pune Metrological Department has predicted heavy rains accompanied by thunders and lightning for the next two days in the state.