At least 26 people died in different parts of West Bengal due to lightning on Monday, news agency ANI reported.
According to the news agency, 11 people died in Hooghly, 9 people in Murshidabad, two people in West Midnapore, 2 in East Midnapore, 2 in Bankura and several people left injured.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the deaths and approved an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each from the PMNRF for the next of kin of those killed and Rs 50,000 to those injured.
“My thoughts are with all those who lost their near and dear ones due to lightning in parts of West Bengal. May the injured recover at the earliest, Modi tweeted.
My thoughts are with all those who lost their near and dear ones due to lightning in parts of West Bengal. May the injured recover at the earliest.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 7, 2021
“PM @narendramodi has approved an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each from the PMNRF for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to lightning in various parts of West Bengal. Rs 50,000 would be given to the injured,” the PMO tweeted.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed his heartfelt condolences over the tragedy. In a tweet, he wrote, “The loss of lives due to lightning in different parts of West Bengal is deeply saddening. My sincerest condolences to the families of those who have lost their loved ones. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured.”