In Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, celestial lightning has wreaked havoc. On Saturday, at least 49 people died in lightning incidents in both the states while many people were injured. Since May 15, 315 people have died due to lightning in UP and Bihar.

The highest number of people have died in lightning from celestial electricity. According to data from the National Disaster Management Authority, at least 253 more people lost their lives and 49 were injured in the last one and a half months across the country with 90 percent of them from UP and Bihar.

Every year 2,000 to 3,000 people die in the country

Every year in India at least 2,000 to 3,000 deaths are caused by celestial lightning and torrential rains.

In 2018, at least 100 people died due to lightning in western UP, Rajasthan, and Haryana.

Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of 313 deaths, Maharashtra with 281 deaths and Odisha 255 deaths almost every year.

Lightning struck at least 49 people in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar on Saturday.

Heavy rain and thunderstorms in seven districts of Bihar on Saturday led to the loss of 25 lives.

More than 40 were injured in Bihar on Saturday. The injured are undergoing treatment in the hospital.

On Friday, 15 people died due to lightning in various districts of Bihar.

On Thursday, 26 people died due to lightning strikes in Bihar.

From March to June 26, 212 people died in Bihar.

On June 26, Bihar had the highest number of deaths at 96.

On June 30, 11 people died in Bihar.

Over 170 people have died in Bihar in the last one week.

At least 24 people died due to lightning in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday.

The dead included 10 from Prayagraj, 14 from Purvanchal. While nine people were injured.

Bihar received 66 percent more rainfall from June 1 to July 2.

Bihar received 77 percent more rainfall from June 24 to July 1.

Eastern Uttar Pradesh received 72 percent more rainfall in the same period.

Between June 24 and July 1, 79 percent more rainfall was received.

On Saturday, the Meteorological Department warned that there is a possibility of strong thunderstorms and lightning in the next 12 hours in southeastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, eastern Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha.

Most of those who died from celestial lightning were farmers and laborers who were doing agricultural-related work in the fields. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has expressed grief over the loss of life and property on Saturday. He has announced an ex-gratia amount of Rs 4-4 lakh to the relatives of the deceased. The CM has ordered the free treatment of injured persons.

Scientists say that due to heavy rains, more farmers are using the monsoon the most for their paddy crop. He said, 'This year the number of incidents of lightning and deaths in Bihar and eastern UP is increasing continuously because this area is witnessing intense rains in June itself. In previous years, the region did not usually receive much rainfall in June.