Lightning strikes in India kill 38 people, including 11 taking selfies

NEW DELHI: Lightning has killed at least 38 people across two Indian states in 24 hours during the early stages of the annual monsoon season, officials say.

A majority of the deaths occurred in the western state of Rajasthan, where 11 people died after being struck by lightning near a watchtower at the 12th century Amber Fort, police said.

Senior police officer Anand Srivastava said some of the victims were taking selfies near the watchtower when lightning struck late on Sunday.

Srivastava said at least nine more people were killed and nearly 20 others were injured in separate lightning strikes when the state was lashed with thunderstorms and monsoon rains.

In Uttar Pradesh, 18 people were killed by lightning on Sunday. Both state governments announced financial compensation for the families of the victims and those who were injured.

The Indian Meteorological Department has warned of more lightning in the next two days. Lightning strikes are common during India’s monsoon season, which runs from June to September.

More than 2900 people were killed by lightning in India in 2019, according to the the most recent official figures available.