As many as 40 people lost their lives as hutments collapsed and trees fell following thunderstorms in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand.
According to reports, Bihar recorded 19 deaths and the neighbouring state of Jharkhand had 12 deaths. Nine people were killed in thunderstorm and lightning in Unnao, Kanpur and Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh.
"While six persons were killed in Unnao in incidents of thunderstorm and lightning last night, three persons died in Rae Bareli, and two each in Kanpur, Pilibhit and Gonda districts," UP Relief Commissioner Sanjay Kumar was quoted as saying by news agency PTI on Tuesday (29).
According to The Indian Meteorological Department officials, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are likely to experience rain and thunderstorms over the next couple of days.
The southern states of Kerala and coastal Karnataka are also likely to witness heavy rains while gusty winds reaching 60 km per hour.