Rain, thunderstorm & lightning claim 50 lives

New Delhi, April 17: The number of deaths due to rain, thunderstorm and lightning in several parts of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra has risen to nearly 50.

Rajasthan Relief Secretary Ashutosh A. T. Pednekar said twenty-one deaths occurred in the state, followed by 15 in Madhya Pradesh, 10 in Gujarat and three in Maharashtra.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh said the government is closely monitoring the situation in rain-hit areas and is ready to provide all possible help to the affected states.