Over 90 dead as violent thundersquall batters Uttar Pradesh; CM orders relief within 24 hours
More than 90 people died and dozens were injured after a violent storm and heavy rain battered several districts of Uttar Pradesh on May 13. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered immediate relief measures as authorities assessed widespread damage caused by lightning, strong winds and collapsing structures
By Ashmit Mazumder
Hyderabad: At least 90 people are presumed to have died and 53 more are injured following a violent storm and heavy rain which ripped through Uttar Pradesh on May 13, leaving a trail of destruction across 19 districts. The severe storm uprooted trees, snapped electric poles, destructed houses and killed 114 livestock, according to the State Relief Commissioner’s office.
The district of Prayagraj reported the highest number of deaths at 21. In the Handia area alone, there were seven reported deaths, followed by four in Phulpur, three in Soraon, two in Meja and one in Sadar. Officials reported that five women, four children and eight men were among the dead. Another 20 animals died and 16 houses were damaged in Prayagraj.
Sant Ravidas Nagar, also known as Bhadohi, was the second worst-hit district with 14 to 16 reported deaths. Fatehpur registered 11 deaths and Mirzapur 10. Other casualties were reported from the districts of Unnao, Badaun, Bareilly, Pratapgarh, Chandauli, Sonbhadra and Kushinagar.
The India Meteorological Department had earlier warned of thunderstorms linked to western disturbances, but the severity of the storm shocked residents. Between 8 am and 11.30 pm on May 13, dust storms turned into heavy rain and lightning. In Bareilly, a viral video showed a man being flung into the air along with a tin shed due to strong winds. Fortunately, he survived, though he suffered multiple fractures.
Most deaths were caused by collapsing walls, falling trees and lightning strikes. In Badaun, two girls died after a mud hut wall collapsed. In Kanpur Dehat, 19-year-old Ruchi died after being struck by lightning while standing under a neem tree with goats, some of which also reportedly died.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took cognisance of the situation and ordered officials to ensure that compensation and relief packages reach affected families within 24 hours. “Negligence towards families will not be tolerated,” he said while directing District Magistrates to personally visit the affected families. The Relief Commissioner stated that relief funds were being released and damage assessment in the affected regions was underway. Additional District Magistrate (Finance and Revenue) Dushyant Kumar said reports regarding human and livestock losses had been sought from local officials and financial assistance would be provided as per government rules.
The IMD has issued a yellow alert as more storms are expected. Such storms are common from March to June before the onset of the monsoon, but Wednesday’s thunderstorm was unusually deadly.
