Lightning strikes kill at least 20 in India's Jharkhand

At least 20 people were killed in lightning strikes across India's eastern state of Jharkhand over the past 24 hours as intensified monsoon rains triggered severe thunderstorms.

The worst-hit district was Giridih, where 11 people lost their lives, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The severe weather also caused significant damage in several other parts of the state.

The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for the next three days, warning of continued adverse weather conditions.

Monsoon rains reportedly intensified across Jharkhand over the past day, bringing heavy downpours and thunderstorms.

On August 5, police confirmed 13 lightning-related deaths in the state.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov