The southwest monsoon on Tuesday hit Kerala, three days before its scheduled arrival, says the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The onset of monsoon over the southern state marks the commencement of the four-month-long rainy season in the country.
The IMD has made a forecast of “normal” rainfall this season.
Skymet, a private weather forecasting agency and a rival of the IMD, had said that the monsoon made its arrival in Kerala on Monday.
Thunderstorms and lightening claimed at least 40 lives in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand since Monday evening.
Ten persons were killed and six others injured in the incidents of thunderstorm and lightning in some parts of Uttar Pradesh, a senior government official said on Tuesday.
There are also reports of two persons each being killed in thunderstorm in Kanpur and Rae Bareli, Principal Secretary, Information, Avinish Awasthi said. said.
The incidents also left some hutments damaged in Unnao and Rae Bareli districts.
Respective district magistrates have been directed to undertake rescue works and ensure distribution of relief in 24 hours, Awasthi added.
At least 17 people died in Bihar as the state witnessed thunderstorms and rains lashed several parts on Monday night.
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