New Delhi, May 16 -- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday expressed grief over the loss of lives caused by heavy rains, thunderstorms and lightning in Uttar Pradesh and several other parts of the country, and said the Centre was extending all possible assistance to the affected states.

In a post on X, Singh conveyed condolences to the families of those who died in the extreme weather events reported over the past few days.

"I have felt immense sorrow and pain upon hearing the news of lives lost due to the heavy rains and storms that have struck Uttar Pradesh and some other parts of the country in the past few days. I express my condolences to all the affected families. The Central Government is extending every possible assistance ...