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Deadly storms kill over 100 in India’s Uttar Pradesh as extreme weather batters north

By The South Asia Times

NEW DELHI - At least 105 people were killed and more than 55 injured after powerful storms, heavy rain and lightning swept across India’s northern state of Uttar Pradesh, officials said on Thursday, in one of the deadliest weather disasters to hit the region this year.

The severe weather struck multiple districts late Wednesday, bringing strong winds, dust storms, hail and lightning that uprooted trees, collapsed structures and disrupted electricity and transport networks across the country’s most populous state.

Uttar Pradesh Relief Commissioner Harikesh Bhaskar Yashod said most deaths were caused by falling trees, collapsing walls and flying debris during the storm. Authorities said at least 55 people were injured, while dozens of homes and livestock were also damaged.

The worst-hit districts included Prayagraj, Bhadohi, Fatehpur and Mirzapur. In Bhadohi district alone, at least 15 people died after strong winds toppled trees and electricity poles, officials said. Another nine people were killed in Fatehpur.

Television footage and social media videos showed scenes of devastation, including a viral video from Bareilly in which a man was thrown into the air while clinging to a tin roof ripped away by gale-force winds. The man survived with injuries, according to Indian media reports.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed district officials to launch relief and rescue operations and provide compensation to affected families within 24 hours. State authorities said continuous monitoring was underway through an integrated emergency control center.

The India Meteorological Department warned that thunderstorms and strong winds could continue in parts of Uttar Pradesh over the next 24 hours, with alerts issued for several districts, including Lucknow and Kanpur.