5 killed during recent hailstorm in Raj: Kataria

Five persons were killed and three injured when lightning struck them during a recent hailstorm in Rajasthan which also damaged crops in 1007 villages in many districts, Disaster Management and Relief Minister Gulabchand Kataria said today.
As per initial reports sent by collectors, the crops were damaged in 1007 villages of 54 tehsils of Alwar, Baran, Bharatpur, Bikaner, Churu, Dholpur, Hanumangarh, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jalore, Jhalawar, Jhunjhunu, Jodhpur, Nagaur, Pali, Sawaimadhopur, Sikar, Sirohi, Tonk and Udaipur districts.
Five persons were killed and three injured when lightning struck them and families of the four deceased have been given financial compensation of Rs 4 lakh each as per norms. The compensation will be given to the family of the fifth deceased after completing verification process, he said.

The minister said that a Girdawari (assessment) report was being prepared by districts to assess the losses suffered by farmers which will make the situation clear.
Kataria was giving his statement on the issue during zero hour which was raised yesterday by deputy leader of opposition Ramesh Meena during the budget speech by Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje.