Kolkata, May 29 -- At least seven people were killed and several others injured as lightning and thunderstorms hit south Bengal districts on Friday afternoon, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a red alert.

"Seven persons were killed and some have been injured as lightning and thunderstorms hit multiple districts, including Kolkata, South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly, West Midnapore and Purulia. The deaths and injuries were primarily caused by lightning, wall collapse and electrocution," chief minister Suvendu Adhikari said.

He announced compensation of Rs.4 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased. He added that the government would bear the treatment costs of those injured.

A squall, with wi...