Lucknow, July 23 -- Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister on Thursday took cognisance of the loss of lives, livestock and property caused by heavy rainfall and directed senior officials to visit affected areas and provide all possible assistance to families.

The Chief Minister directed officials to assess the loss of lives, livestock and property caused by excessive rainfall and lightning and ensure compensation is provided to the affected families within 24 hours.

He also instructed officials to maintain communication with affected families and ensure that all possible assistance is made available to them.

Appealing to the people of the state, the Chief Minister urged them to avoid unnecessarily stepping out of their homes during lightning.

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