Rains wreak havoc in 4 States

Jaipur/Bhopal/Ahmedabad/Mumbai: Nearly 50 people were killed as rains coupled with thunderstorms and lightning hit several parts of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra overnight, officials said on Wednesday. The unseasonal rains and storm also caused severe damage to property and crops in Gujarat and Rajasthan.

Rajasthan witnessed the maximum casualties with 21 people killed in rain-related incidents followed by Madhya Pradesh where 15 were killed. While 10 people were killed in Gujarat, three were killed in Maharashtra.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to twitter in the morning to express anguish over the loss of lives in the rains in Gujarat and announced relief. Soon afterwards, Madhya Pradesh CM Kamal Nath hit out at the PM, accusing him of being concerned only about his home state Gujarat. "Modiji, you are the PM of the country and not of Gujarat.

In MP also, more than 10 persons were killed because of unseasonal rains. But you have confined your feelings to Gujarat only," Nath said in a tweet. The BJP hit back, accusing Nath of doing politics over the loss caused by rains and storm.

The PMO in a tweet later said, "PM @narendramodi has expressed grief at loss of lives due to unseasonal rains and storms in MP, Rajasthan, Manipur & various parts of the country". "An ex-gratia of 2 lakh each for the next of kin of those who lost their lives due to unseasonal rain & storms in MP, Rajasthan, Manipur & various parts of the country has been approved from the PM's National Relief Fund. 50,000 each for the injured has also been approved," the PMO said.

Union 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 states affected by rains and thunderstorm. In Jaipur, Rajasthan Relief Secretary Ashutosh A T Pednekar said 21 people died due to unseasonal rains. Compensation of Rs 4 lakh each has been announced to the families of victims. Another official said crops have suffered damage and the assessment is being done. Several cattle were also killed in rain-related incidents.

Condoling the deaths, Chief minister Ashok Gehlot said in a tweet, "Deeply pained by loss of lives due to unseasonal rains and storms in various parts of the country including Rajasthan. My thoughts and prayers are with bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured." Officials in Bhopal said unseasonal rain accompanied by thunderstorm and lightning hit various parts of Madhya Pradesh, leaving 15 people dead and injuring some others.

In Ahmedabad, Gujarat government's director of relief G B Manglpara, said that at least 10 people have died in the rain and dust storm reported from various areas including districts in North Gujarat and Saurashtra region.

Also, a portion of a tent erected for Prime Minister Modi's rally in Himmatnagar town of North Gujarat was also damaged in the dust storm, an official earlier said. Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani announced an aid of Rs 2 lakh each to the kin of the deceased in the western state. In Maharashtra, a 71-year-old woman, a 32-year-old man and a temple priest died when lightning struck them in Nashik district during rains on Tuesday, police said.