Lightning has killed at least 38 people across two Indian states over the past 24 hours, officials said on Monday.

Most of the deaths occurred in the western state of Rajasthan, where 11 people died after being struck by lightning near a watchtower at the 12th century Amber Fort.

According to Senior police officer Anand Srivastava some of the victims were taking selfies when lightning struck late on Sunday.

Srivastava further revealed that nine more people died and nearly 20 others were injured in another lightning strikes.

In Uttar Pradesh, 18 people were killed by lightning on Sunday.Most of those killed were farm labourers working in fields.

Both state governments announced financial compensation for the families of the victims and those who were injured.