India, May 14 -- At least 117 people have died across Uttar Pradesh after relentless rain, lightning strikes and powerful thunderstorms battered large parts of the state over the last 36 to 48 hours, prompting a massive relief and rescue operation, media reports said.

The scale of devastation has pushed the state administration into emergency mode, with authorities monitoring the fast-changing weather situation round the clock.

Rs.4 lakh compensation for victims' families

In response to the tragedy, the Uttar Pradesh government announced an ex gratia payment of Rs.4 lakh each for the families of those who lost their lives in the disaster.

Officials said compensation disbursal would be carried out on priority to ensure affected familie...