lightning
A total of 11 people have lost their lives due to lightning ever since the pre-monsoon showers started lashing the district 12 days ago.

The district administration has warned people against moving out in open spaces or taking shelter under trees when there is torrential rain and thunderstorm. Last year, lightning in Nashik district had claimed 21 lives during the monsoon.

District officials said Trimbakeshwar, Malegaon and Sinnar talukas witnessed two deaths each due to lightning. The district disaster management has earmarked Igatpuri, Trimbakeshwar, Peth, Nashik, Niphad and Nandgaon talukas as lightning-prone areas.

The district administration has so far extended government help of Rs 4 lakh each to family members of victims killed due to lightning. One person died in landslide in Trimbakeshwar and his family has also been given the government aid of Rs 4 lakh.

"So far, the government aid has been presented to family members of four persons killed in natural disasters and the rest of the cases are under investigation," Ramdas Khedkar, resident deputy district collector, Nashik, said.

The best way to be safe is the use of surge protectors or lightning arresters. The district administration has installed 15 lightning arresters at each of the 15 taluka headquarters at a cost of around Rs 7 lakh each.