In Uttar Pradesh, thunderstorms and lightning have claimed 28 lives during the last 24 hours.

Maximum six deaths are reported from Sultanpur district followed by five in Jaunpur.

Quoting official sources our Lucknow correspondent reports that four persons lost their lives in Unnao district followed by 3 each in Baharaich and Chandauli.

Two persons were killed in Raebareli and one each in Saharanpur, Mirzapur, Sitapur, Amethi and Pratapgarh districts.

The state government has directed the concerned district authorities to provide financial assistance of four Lakh rupees each to next of kin of those killed.

Meanwhile, rain lashed several districts today in the western region of the state.