New Delhi: Heavy rain accompanied with lightning in western and central parts of the country has affected four States with loss of lives in some of them. Rain accompanied by thunderstorm and lightning hit Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh in the last 24 hours.

In all, over 50 people have died out of whom more than 25 are in Rajasthan alone. At least 15 people were killed in Madhya Pradesh, 10 in Gujarat in different districts due to rain-related incidents. In the last two days, seven people have died in Maharashtra due to thunderstorm, lightning and heavy rain and three people were killed yesterday. The mud houses in the villages in Maharashtra have collapsed.

Normal life has been disrupted in all the four States due to sudden downpour. In 300 villages due to hailstones, houses have been damaged. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) higher officials said that relief and security operations will be there in these four States.  

Relief announced: Due to unseasonal rains and thunderstorm which has affected many families where people have lost their lives, the Centre has announced a compensation of Rs.2 lakh to the family of the dead victims.