By IANS,
Ranchi : Five people died and over 15 were injured due to lightning in Jharkhand Thursday, police sources said.
The incident took place near Mavesi ghat of Hiranpur village in Pakur district some 500 km from here.
Over two dozen villagers had taken shelter from heavy rainfall under a tree, when lightning struck. Five people died on the spot and 15 others were injured, police sources said.
The injured have been admitted to a local hospital.
Senior official of the district have reached the place to take stock of the situation.
This year lightning has claimed over 40 lives in the state. In 2007, the total number of deaths due to lightning were 68.
The Jharkhand government has written to central government to include lightening as a natural calamity.
According to an official of the disaster management department of Jharkhand, Rs.100,000 will be paid be the families of those who have died due to lightning.