At least 45 people died in UP in thundershowers that lashed several districts on Wednesday night and early Thursday.

Axar.az informs, citing Times of India, Kasganj and Fatehpur districts accounted for the highest, five deaths each.At least two of the casualties - in Chitrakoot and Ambedkarnagar - resulted from lightning strikes.

Winds of 60-100kmph lashed several parts of the state while heavy rain was reported in east UP. In all, 18 districts were impacted by storm.

State govt directed all divisional commissioners to release compensation to the families of the deceased within 24 hours. Local administration was asked to carry out surveys of agricultural fields to assess damage to crops and submit a report at the earliest, so that compensation could be released.