<span style="color: #222222;">In Assam, at least 23 people have died in storms and lightning strikes in the past few weeks. In a statement, State Disaster Management Authority, ASDMA, said the two natural disasters have also affected around 22,801 families in 18 districts of the state this year. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">It said while ten persons died in the storms, 13 persons have died after being struck by lightning. The state government has directed all the deputy commissioners to release ex-gratia of 4 lakh rupees to the next of kin of each of the deceased persons within 48 hours.</span><br />''  <br />