Thunderstorms and lightning strikes claimed 19 lives, including that of three children, in north India as unseasonal snow and heavy rains in Kashmir valley led to suspension of traffic on the Srinagar-Leh national highway.<br/><br/>16 persons were killed in Uttar Pradesh as a thunderstorm and rains lashed several districts yesterday. Officials said, the deaths and injuries were due to incidents of house and tree collapse.<br/> <br/>In Jammu and Kashmir, three children were killed and nine others injured in two different incidents of lightning strikes in Doda and Reasi districts. <br/> <br/>The authorities have declared flood alert as river Jehlum and its tributaries are flowing above the danger mark. The low-lying areas in Srinagar and other parts of the valley are submerged and normal life has been affected. <br/>Unseasonal snow in the upper reaches and heavy rains in the lower parts of the Kashmir Valley led to suspension traffic on the Srinagar-Leh highway and a dip in temperatures. Incessant rainfall has raised the water level of all major rivers and lakes in Kashmir valley. Authorities have put the flood control department on high alert.<br/> <br/>Nearly 500 people were stranded when snowfall at the Zojila pass on the Kargil-Srinagar national highway caused landslides and prompted authorities to close the road for traffic yesterday. Reports of snowfall were also received from the Amarnath cave shrine and at places along the route. The hill resort of Sonamarg also received snow.<br/> <br/>In the national capital, an unexpected six degree fall in the mercury on Friday brought much needed relief from heat. Dust haze and strong winds were the order of day as the maximum temperature dropped to 37.7 degree celcius. This is 3 degrees below normal. Delhiites can expect a further fall in the temperature as there are chances of thundry developments. <br/> <br/>The summer heat also eased its grip on Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh with maximum temperatures falling by upto five notches. There were reports of duststorms at various places in the region. Reports of duststorms were also received from Rajasthan. <br/>