A powerful storm system accompanied by heavy rain, dust storms and lightning swept across several districts of Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday, leaving at least 56 people dead and many others injured in one of the state’s deadliest spells of extreme weather this season.
The devastation was reported from multiple districts, including Prayagraj, Pratapgarh, Bhadohi, Fatehpur, Unnao, Kanpur Dehat, Chandauli, Sonbhadra and Badaun. Officials said rescue and relief operations were launched soon after the storm struck the affected regions.
Prayagraj emerged as the worst-hit district, with authorities officially confirming 16 deaths. Fatalities were also reported from Bhadohi, Fatehpur, Unnao, Kanpur Dehat, Badaun, Chandauli and Sonbhadra as strong winds and intense rainfall caused widespread destruction across the state.
Prayagraj Reports Highest Casualties
In Prayagraj alone, officials said the storm claimed the lives of women, children and men across several areas of the district.
According to district authorities, the deaths included five women, four children and eight men. The worst-affected regions included Handia, where seven people died, followed by Phulpur with four deaths, Soraon with three and Meja with two. One fatality was also reported from the Sadar area.
Officials said five other people suffered injuries during the storm, while significant damage to property and livestock was also recorded. Authorities reported the loss of 20 animals and damage to at least 16 houses due to the severe weather conditions.
Additional District Magistrate (Finance and Revenue) Vineeta Singh said officials were still collecting detailed information from different tehsils, indicating that the number of casualties in Prayagraj could rise further.
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State Government Yet To Release Consolidated Toll
The Uttar Pradesh government has not yet issued a consolidated statewide death toll linked to the storm and rain-related incidents.
A senior state government official said authorities were still gathering reports from affected districts before announcing compensation measures for victims’ families.
“We are in the process of collecting figures, and after that, the state government will announce compensation accordingly,” the official said.
The widespread destruction has once again raised concerns over the increasing impact of sudden extreme weather events across several parts of north India during the summer season.
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CM Yogi Orders Immediate Relief And Compensation
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the disaster and directed officials across departments to visit affected areas and ensure immediate assistance to victims.
The chief minister also instructed authorities to provide compensation to people affected by unseasonal rain, storms and lightning strikes across Uttar Pradesh.
In a statement, the Chief Minister’s Office said Yogi had ordered officials to complete relief distribution work within 24 hours and ensure that all affected families receive necessary support without delay.