At least 111 people were killed and 72 others injured after powerful storms and heavy rainfall swept through several districts of Uttar Pradesh, causing widespread destruction across the state, officials said on Thursday.
Following the loss of lives in the state, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed all district in-charge ministers to visit and meet families affected by recent storms, lightning and heavy rainfall in the state.
He also instructed district magistrates to ensure that relief and financial assistance reach affected families without delay. Following the Chief Minister’s directions, local administrations have started extending relief support in the affected areas.
Yogi Adityanath warned officials that any negligence or delay in providing assistance to affected families would invite strict action.
The sudden change in weather triggered intense dust storms and high-speed winds across the state. Trees and electric poles were uprooted, roads were blocked and several houses suffered heavy damage. Many vehicles were crushed under fallen trees, while rescue teams worked through debris to save trapped residents.
21 Deaths Reported In Prayagraj, Highest In State
Prayagraj reported the highest number of deaths at 21, followed by 18 in Bhadohi and 15 in Mirzapur. Ten people died in Fatehpur, while six deaths each were recorded in Unnao and Badaun. Pratapgarh and Bareilly reported four deaths each, according to earlier figures.
Two deaths each were reported from Sitapur, Raebareli, Chandauli, Kanpur Dehat, Hardoi and Sambhal. Kaushambi, Shahjahanpur, Sonbhadra and Lakhimpur reported one death each.
Sudden Weather Shift Sparks Panic
The weather changed abruptly on Wednesday evening as thick dust clouds engulfed large parts of the state. Strong winds ripped through hoardings and tin sheds, forcing people to seek shelter under trees and flyovers.
Videos from several districts captured the intensity of the storm. In one such incident from Bamiyana village in Bareilly, a man was flung into the air along with a tin shed and thrown nearly 50 feet away into a field.
The injured man, identified as Nanhe Miyan, suffered fractures in his hands and legs. “I don’t know where I fell. I was at least 50 feet away,” he told NDTV.
Lightning Strikes And Wall Collapses Claim Lives
In Fatehpur, eight of the 10 deaths were reported from Khaga tehsil, including five women. A woman also died in Sadar tehsil after a wall collapsed, officials said.