NEW DELHI, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- At least 19 persons died in rain-related incidents in India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh during the past 24 hours across 12 districts, confirmed a state government official on Monday.
Some of the people died in lightning incidents, while a few of them died by drowning.
Among the deaths, four were reported from the Hardoi district, three from the Barabanki district, and two each from the Pratapgarh and Kannauj districts, added the official.
Incessant rains disrupted normal life in the state. Schools in the state capital Lucknow and its nearby areas have been shut as a precautionary measure amid heavy rains and waterlogging on roads. Rail traffic was affected in some parts of the state, according to media reports.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), there have been over 40 mm of rain in as many as 22 districts over the past 24 hours.
State authorities have urged quick relief work and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has asked state officials to visit the affected areas.
The IMD officials said the state is likely to see heavy rains in the eastern parts over the next three days, while light rains will continue till Sept. 17. ■