RAIN, LIGHTNING KILL 26; CM ANNOUNCES EX GRATIA

LUCKNOW : At least 26 people were killed and five injured in different parts of the state in the last 24 hours due to unseasonal rain, lightning and hailstorm. Besides, nine cattle also died while several houses collapsed, an official said adding that the rain also caused damage to crops. Following the loss of life and property, chief minister Yogi Adityanath has issued directions to officials concerned to ensure compensation within 24 hours to the victims.

LUCKNOW:At least 26 people were killed and five injured in different parts of the state in the last 24 hours due to unseasonal rain, lightning and hailstorm. Nine cattle also died while several houses collapsed, an official said. Rain also caused damage to crops.

Following the loss of life and property, chief minister Yogi Adityanath has issued directions to officials concerned to ensure compensation within 24 hours to the victims.

The chief minister has given orders to grant financial assistance as per the rules and guidelines of the State Disaster Relief Fund.

Dependents of people killed in this natural calamity would be given Rs4 lakh financial assistance immediately.

He has also directed all dis- trict magistrates to conduct an assessment of the losses to crops in their respective districts and to assess crop damage individually for every farmer within 48 hours.

He also said that farmers who have lost more than 33% of the sown crop should be given financial assistance.

Demand of money allocation for this should be sent to the state government immediately, he said. He also warned officials against any laxity with regards to giving financial assistance and said callousness would invite stringent action.

While giving this information, a state government spokesperson said on Saturday that in most districts of Uttar Pradesh, untimely rains and hailstorms have taken place over the past few days.

As per weather forecast there was likelihood of recurrence of this weather phenomenon in days to come as well.

The spokesperson further said that the district magistrates have also been instructed to ensure that in case the fund for financial assistance is not available in any district, the DM concerned should draw the money under Treasury Rule 27 and provide relief to the affected people.

A proposal for adjustment of this amount should also be sent to the state government.