Rain, thunderstorm kill 21 in UP

LUCKNOW: At least 21 people lost their lives and scores were injured in thunderstorm and heavy rains that hit several parts of Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday, prompting the state government to hold an emergency meeting to review the situation. Chief Secretary Alok Ranjan convened a high-level meeting here to take stock of the situation across the state. Four persons each were killed in Pratapgarh and Etah districts, three in Rae Bareli, two each died in Lucknow, Ballia and Amethi, and one each in Azamgarh, Jaunpur, Mau and Hardoi, an official spokesman said here.Storm, lightning and rains led to most of the deaths. Most parts of the state witnessed rain or thundershowers, Meteorological department said.