At least 20 people were killed and 14 seriously injured after being struck by lightning in three districts of West Bengal on Monday evening, reports said.

According to reports, nine persons died in Murshidabad and an equal number of people died in Hooghly while two more deaths due to lightning strikes were recorded in West Medinipur.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each to the next kin of the deceased and a compensation of Rs. 50,000 each to the injured, IBNS said. 

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.

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 7, 2021 (SAM)