Unseasonal rains and thunderstorms in the last few days have created havoc in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan and various parts of the country.
At least 16 people died across Madhya Pradesh in the last two days as heavy rains, storms and lightning hit various parts of the state, an ANI report said.
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Six people are reportedly dead in Rajasthan in the rains and thunderstorms that hit various parts of the state on Tuesday, whereas, nine are learnt to have lost their lives in Gujarat.
Following the disaster, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the next of kin of those who lost their lives due to unseasonal rain and storms in Gujarat.
The PM has also approved Rs 50,000 each for those injured in the natural calamity.
A dust storm Tuesday damaged part of a tent being erected for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s April 17 rally in Himmatnagar town in Sabarkantha district of Gujarat.
As per a BJP release, Modi would address three election rallies in Gujarat Wednesday at Himmatnagar, Surendranagar and Anand, and one at Amreli on Thursday.
Soon after PM Modi’s announcement of compensation for the victims of rains and storms in Gujarat, a political slugfest erupted with Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath in an apparent reminder to the PM said that he was the “Prime Minister of the country and not Gujarat”.
Nath further said that over 10 people have lost their lives in the unseasonal rains in MP but the PM was only concerned about Gujarat where the BJP is in power. The chief minister also extended his condolences to the bereaved families in the state.
Following this, hours later, PMO in a tweet, expressed grief at the loss of lives in MP, Rajasthan, Manipur and various parts of the country. The government is doing its best to provide all possible assistance to those affected. The situation is being monitored closely, it further said.
The PM also approved Rs 2 lakh each for the next of kin of dead in MP, Rajasthan, Manipur and Rs 50,000 each for the injured.
