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Twelve persons, including three women and three minors, were killed and five were wounded by lightning during a thunderstorm in Malda and Murshidabad in West Bengal on Thursday. Malda accounted for 11 deaths.

Disaster management personnel were deployed to rescue the wounded.

In Malda, several of the victims were picking mangoes when lightning struck, including Monojit Mondal (21), Samar Mridha (16), Chandan Sahani (35), Asit Saha (19), Atul Mandal (65) and Sabidul Sk (13).

Priyanka Singha (20) and Nyan Roy were struck by lightning when they were in a field. Sumitra Mandal (45) was outside her home when she was struck by lightning. Suitara Biwi was in a field while Pankaj Mandal (24) was on the road when lightning struck. A Budhia woman and a Class 8 boy were wounded.

In Murshidabad, Simanta Ghosh (32) died and three were injured while herding cattle.

"My heart goes out to the families who lost their loved ones in Malda due to the tragic lightning strikes. I extend my deepest condolences to them during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with the injured, and I pray for their swift recovery. Our district administration is working tirelessly to provide all necessary support to the affected. We will do everything in our capacity to assist those in need," West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee posted on X.