A violent thunderstorm swept through Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday evening and killed at least 89 people — the state’s deadliest single-day weather event this year. Lightning strikes, hail, and collapsing walls claimed lives across a dozen districts. Fifty-three others were injured. The damage is still being counted.
Where the Storm Hit Hardest
Prayagraj reported the highest toll at 21 deaths. Sant Ravidas Nagar followed with 14, and Fatehpur with 11. Casualties were confirmed in Barabanki, Bahraich, Kanpur Dehat, Basti, Sambhal, Hardoi, and Unnao. Across the state, 114 livestock died and 87 houses were damaged.
The storm uprooted trees, triggered wall collapses, and sent lightning strikes across multiple districts in a matter of hours.
Vineeta Singh, Additional District Magistrate of Prayagraj, described how the toll climbed through the night.
“Till late at night, 17 deaths had been reported. Later, the number rose to 21. Lekhpal officials and the district administration reached the affected spots and carried out the necessary formalities. The relief amount will be made available promptly once the required documents are received,” she told IANS.
In Fatehpur, District Magistrate Nidhi Gupta Vats confirmed 11 dead and 15 seriously injured, with her administration conducting active rescue operations.
Yogi Orders Three-Hour Updates
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered District Magistrates to begin ground surveys immediately, assess losses to lives, crops, and livestock, and release compensation without delay. He directed every district to file a situation report every three hours and to post real-time relief updates on social media.
The Relief Commissioner’s Office confirmed it is in direct contact with district officials and releasing emergency funds as assessments arrive.
IANS
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