Lightning death toll rises to 4 in Marathwada

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Lightning-related deaths in Marathwada during the week rose to four, with Beed reporting two more incidents, as unseasonal rain and hailstorms continued in the region during evening and night hours.The fresh spell of extreme weather events has also killed 77 cattle since March 30, and ravaged crops on over 5,345 hectares, according to initial official assessment data. The data shows that a minimum of around 8,780 farmers from 209 villages in the region have been impacted.Govind Lahane (21) and Aditya Bedre (20) are the two youths killed in lightning strikes on March 30. Official details of the two deaths from Beed district are still awaited.Marathwada earlier witnessed similar extreme weather events in the third week of March, which killed two people and 40 cattle due to lightning strikes and inflicted agricultural damage on 11,000 hectares.Rita Metrewar, the additional commissioner (revenue) for Marathwada, said a combined report of agricultural and other losses from the region would be sent to the state govt once spot panchnamas get over.As per the IMD forecast, thunderstorms with hail are likely in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and some other parts of Marathwada on Friday, followed by chances of thunderstorms and moderate rain for the subsequent 24-hours. No clear skies are likely before at least April 5, the Met office said.