A massive thunderstorm around Moscow has killed at least one person, injured several others and forced scores of planes to divert to other cities.

Weather experts described the storm as the biggest in decades, with one comparing it to the biblical deluge.

The regional health department said a man was killed by lightning in Dmitrov, north of Moscow, and several others were injured by falling trees.

Two passenger jets were hit by lightning as they approached the Russian capital but landed safely, suffering only minor damage, according to the Interfax news agency. About 40 planes had to be diverted.

Moscow's circle railway reported a temporary disruption after a tree fell on the tracks, and more than 4,000 people lost power.

Another powerful thunderstorm in May killed 16 people and injured dozens in Moscow.

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