Unseasonal rains and storms hit West and North India, PM Modi announces ex-gratia relief for kin of victims in multiple states: LIVE Updates

Following the unseasonal rains and associated weather phenomena that have been lashing northern and western parts of the country including Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Manipur, and  Maharashtra, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives as well as medical monetary assistance to those who were injured.

Earlier, Madhya Pradesh CM Kamal Nath had sought assistance for his state as well, albeit while giving the entire matter a political spin:

Nineteen lives have been lost in Gujarat due to inclement weather conditions and ten in M.P, as per CM Kamal Nath. 

Unseasonal rains produced cyclonic circulation over west Rajasthan, from which a trough line is extending from Maharashtra to Karnataka hitting Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, causing lightning storms, gusty winds and torrential bursts of rain.

Speaking on the sudden temperature drop across the country, Skymet's meteorologists have predicted pre-monsoon rain showers and surging temperatures following the showers.

"There are pre-monsoon rain showers across India. Most of the states are receiving rains. Some places have recorded a 10-12 degree Celsius drop in maximum temperature in a day. Current condition will last until Wednesday evening and then, the situation will become normal with temperatures surging", said a Skymet official.

The death toll as of now: Rajasthan- 5 (Jhalawad, Baran), Gujarat -19 ( Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Banaskantha, Morbi, Sabarkantha, Mehsana and Patan), Maharashtra - 4 (Nashik) as per various state authorities.

Union Health Secretary has spoken to the affected states to offer support to the victims: 

Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot has issued a statement saying:

" After the natural calamity of dust storms have occurred, I have put officers on alert and have told them (officers) that farmers should get their compensation as soon as possible." 

Home Minister Rajnath Singh has announced aid to all the victims of the rains in Gujarat, MP, Rajasthan and other parts.  

Following this Gujarat CM too has announced 2 lakh compensation of the nine people who died in yesterdays storm, as per sources.

As per Skymet, the total number of fatalities due to the rains has been over 35.

Skymet also predicts that these rains will take a backseat as the systems which were affecting the region will move away from almost all parts which were previously affected.

Skymet has predicted continuing pre-monsoon showers in Eastern India as well as in parts of the NCR through the week

Fatalities due to thunderstorms in Maharashtra alone in this month: 12 

 Dust storm and thunderstorms (50-70 kmph) are predicted to hit NCR in the next few hours

In a rally in Sabarkantha district in Gujarat, PM Modi has implored political parties to leave politics aside and come together and help victims of the unseasonal rains, as reported by PTI.

"I am requesting political parties that in this hour of grief they should not indulge in political oneupmanship. Elections come and go, we should help those in grief," said PM Modi.

He also assured that help was being given by the government to the flood victims.

"The central government and state governments are working to provide relief to those affected by the storm," he added.