40 Die as Thunderstorms, Lightening Unleash Havoc in Eastern India

New Delhi (Sputnik): At least 40 people have died and scores of others have been injured in thunderstorms and lightning in eastern India, disaster management officials said Tuesday. The worst affected are the states of Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. All the deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours after heavy rains accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds lashed these parts of the country. 

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"While 19 people died in Bihar, including in Gaya, Munger, and Nawada districts, 12 others were killed in neighboring Jharkhand, and 11 in Uttar Pradesh. Some 28 people also sustained injuries in lightning and thunderstorm-related incidents in Jharkhand," an official told the media.  

Most of the deaths were caused by collapsing buildings and trees. Meanwhile, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced the arrival of southwest monsoon three days ahead of schedule. The onset of monsoon over the southern states marks the commencement of the four-month-long rainy season in the country which is the lifeline of the country's agriculture sector. 

The IMD has also warned fishermen from venturing out to sea till May 30, owing to the presence of a strengthened low-pressure area over the Arabian Sea. 

"Strong winds from the westerly direction, with speeds reaching 40-50 kilometers per hour and gusting to 60 kilometers per hour are expected along and off the Kerala coast and Lakshadweep," the IMD said in a statement.

Over 170 people died earlier this month as powerful thunderstorms ravaged several Indian states, including Uttar Pradesh, which witnessed the greatest casualties.