Lucknow, May 14
A powerful storm accompanied by heavy rain, lightning, and hailstorm swept across several districts of Uttar Pradesh, killing at least 89 people and injuring 53 others, officials said on Thursday. The extreme weather uprooted trees and electric poles, damaged houses, and caused livestock losses in many parts of the state.
According to the Relief Commissioner’s office, 114 livestock deaths and damage to 87 houses were also reported following the storm that struck on May 13. Most deaths were caused by lightning strikes, collapsing walls, uprooted trees, and strong winds.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reviewed the situation and directed district officials to provide immediate assistance to affected families. He instructed authorities to ensure that financial relief reaches victims within 24 hours and to maintain direct contact with affected families.
The Relief Commissioner’s office said district administrations across the state are continuously monitoring the situation and coordinating relief work.
Among the worst-affected districts was Bhadohi, where at least 16 people lost their lives in storm-related incidents. Officials said trees and power poles were uprooted in several areas, while many houses sustained damage.
In Fatehpur district, nine people were killed, and 16 others were injured. Additional District Magistrate Avinash Tripathi said eight people, including five women, died in Khaga tehsil, while another woman died after a house wall collapsed in Sadar tehsil.
Prayagraj also reported multiple deaths due to storm and rain-related incidents. According to district administration figures, seven deaths were reported from Handia, four from Phulpur, three from Soraon, two from Meja, and one from Sadar.
In Pratapgarh district, four people died in separate incidents linked to wall collapses, shed collapses, and lightning strikes during the storm. Police officials said strong winds and heavy rain caused widespread disruption in several villages.
Kanpur Dehat reported two deaths, including a 19-year-old woman who died after being struck by lightning while standing under a neem tree during heavy rain. Several goats also died in the incident, while another man was injured.
Lightning strikes also claimed lives in Deoria and Sonbhadra districts. Officials said a man died after a tree uprooted by the storm fell on him in Sonbhadra.
The chief minister has also directed officials from the revenue and agriculture departments, as well as insurance companies, to survey the damage caused by the storm and submit reports to the government. Authorities have been asked to remain alert as relief and rescue operations continue in affected districts.
