At least 11 people were killed by lightning and many got injured in the northern city of Jaipur, India on Sunday, July 11. The victims were taking selfies in the rain at the top of a watchtower at the 12th Century Amer palace, a popular tourist attraction site. It is reported that dozens of people were present when the incident occurred and 27 people jumped off in panic, leading to injuries. Nine more deaths from lightning strikes were reported as well across Rajasthan on Sunday. Indian media said that Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has announced compensation for the families of the deceased. According to the BBC report, lightning incidents have increased by 30 per cent to 40 per cent since early to mid-1990s. “In 2018 the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh recorded 36,749 lightning strikes in just 13 hours,” BBC said. Many places in Rajasthan received rainfall on Sunday. India Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rainfall in the countrys northern region on Monday morning.
