Nearly 90 people killed as storm and rain batter Uttar Pradesh

At least 89 people have been killed and dozens injured after severe storms, heavy rain, lightning and hailstorms swept across several districts of Uttar Pradesh, India, according to the state Relief Commissioner’s office.

The unseasonal weather uprooted trees and electric poles, and caused widespread damage to houses, livestock and infrastructure across multiple regions on Wednesday (May 13).

In an official post on X, the Relief Commissioner’s office said reports confirmed 89 deaths, 53 injuries, 114 livestock losses, and damage to 87 houses on Thursday, reports the Hindu.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took cognisance of the disaster and directed district officials to ensure that relief and compensation reach affected families within 24 hours.

He instructed divisional commissioners and district magistrates to verify incidents “with full sensitivity,” maintain direct contact with affected families, and provide immediate assistance.

District-wise reports indicated significant casualties across multiple areas. Prayagraj reported several deaths across Handia, Phulpur, Soraon, Meja and Sadar regions. Bhadohi alone reported at least 16 deaths, while Fatehpur recorded nine deaths and multiple injuries due to collapsing structures and storm-related incidents.

In Pratapgarh, fatalities were reported due to wall collapses and lightning strikes, while Kanpur Dehat, Deoria, and Sonbhadra also recorded deaths linked to storms, falling trees and lightning strikes.

Officials said strong winds caused widespread structural damage, with electric poles and trees uprooted in many areas. Several houses were partially or completely destroyed.

Additional District Magistrates across affected districts have been directed to assess losses and ensure compensation under government relief norms.

Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav urged the state government to intensify relief operations, provide free medical treatment to the injured, ensure food and shelter for displaced families, and carry out a swift damage assessment for compensation and insurance claims.

Authorities said monitoring and relief coordination are ongoing as emergency teams continue to assess the full extent of the damage.