In a tragic series of events, five people lost their lives due to lightning strikes in Assam, specifically across Kokrajhar, Barpeta, Golaghat, and Dibrugarh districts over the past three days. The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) reported that on May 23, three fatalities occurred, with one each in the aforementioned districts. Additionally, one person died in Udalguri on May 22, and another in Dibrugarh on May 21. The lightning strikes also resulted in the death of six animals.

The storms have wreaked havoc in seven districts, including Goalpara, Bongaigaon, Sonitpur, Lakhimpur, Hojai, Dibrugarh, and Golaghat, damaging numerous homes and infrastructure. The ASDMA noted that 31 villages across 11 revenue circles were significantly impacted by the storms. Furthermore, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for additional rainfall and lightning in various districts of Assam.

Meanwhile, parts of Northern, Central, and Western India are experiencing a severe heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 40°C, prompting local authorities to implement emergency measures.