NEW DELHI (Diya TV) — A powerful storm swept across India’s northern state of Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday, killing more than 100 people and leaving widespread destruction in its wake. The storm brought heavy rain, hail, and strong winds that uprooted trees, damaged homes, and injured dozens of residents across several districts.
Officials said at least 104 people died in about a dozen districts, while 59 others suffered injuries during the violent weather event. Authorities also reported damage to 87 homes and the deaths of 114 livestock animals. Rescue teams and local officials continued relief operations on Thursday as many areas struggled to recover from the devastation.
The worst-hit region was around the Hindu pilgrimage city of Prayagraj, where powerful winds and heavy rainfall caused major destruction. State relief commissioner Hrishikesh Bhaskar Yashod confirmed the casualty figures to Reuters and said rescue workers were helping affected families.
The deadly storm is one of the worst weather events to hit Uttar Pradesh this year. The state often experiences severe storms during the hot summer months from March through June before the annual monsoon season arrives. However, officials said the intensity of this storm caused unusual levels of damage and loss of life.
Residents described scenes of panic as dark clouds covered the sky and strong winds tore through towns and villages. Ashok Rai, a resident of Obra in Sonbhadra district, said the weather changed suddenly and violently.
“The entire area where we live turned black for around half an hour,” Rai said. “Strong winds lifted hoardings and signboards and thick coal dust from the ground and hurled them around.”
Television footage showed fallen trees blocking roads and large billboards crashing onto vehicles. Several roadside stalls also suffered damage as strong winds knocked down wooden furniture and temporary structures.
In Bareilly district, a dramatic television video showed strong winds lifting a man into the air after he lost his grip on a tin structure. Reports said the man survived the incident but suffered injuries.
State relief officials said falling trees and collapsing walls caused many of the deaths. Heavy winds also damaged electricity lines and disrupted transportation in several districts.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered officials to speed up relief work and distribute financial assistance to affected families within 24 hours. The state government said emergency teams were working in the worst-hit areas to clear debris, restore services, and provide shelter to displaced residents.
Adityanath also directed district authorities to ensure proper medical treatment for injured residents and support families who lost loved ones in the storm. Officials said local administrations were assessing the full extent of the damage.
Northern Indian states often face intense heatwaves, thunderstorms, and sudden storms during the pre-monsoon season. Experts say rapid weather changes can create dangerous conditions, especially in crowded urban areas and rural districts with weak infrastructure.
Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state, is home to more than 200 million people. Many residents in rural areas live in temporary or weak housing structures that are highly vulnerable during severe storms.
Weather officials have warned that more rain and thunderstorms could affect parts of northern India in the coming days. Authorities urged residents to remain indoors during severe weather alerts and avoid standing near trees, electric poles, and weak structures.
Emergency workers continued rescue and cleanup operations on Thursday as families mourned the loss of loved ones. Local officials said they were focused on restoring normal life and ensuring aid reached affected communities quickly.
