At least 100 people have died across Uttar Pradesh, India, after severe rain and powerful storms swept through the state, causing widespread destruction, uprooting trees, toppling electric poles, and damaging homes in multiple districts.

The highest number of fatalities was reported from Prayagraj, where 21 people lost their lives. Other heavily affected districts include Bhadohi (18 deaths), Mirzapur (15), Fatehpur (10), Unnao and Badaun (six each), Pratapgarh and Bareilly (four each), and Sitapur, Raebareli, and Chandauli (two each). Additional deaths were reported from several other districts, reflecting the widespread impact of the extreme weather event.

The storms struck suddenly after a dramatic weather shift, with thick dust clouds covering large parts of the state. Strong winds uprooted trees, tore down hoardings and tin structures, and forced residents to seek shelter under unsafe structures such as trees and flyovers. Several roads were blocked due to fallen debris, while vehicles were damaged as trees collapsed onto them. Rescue operations were carried out in difficult conditions, with emergency teams and locals working to pull people from debris.

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Eyewitness accounts and viral videos from affected areas highlighted the intensity of the storm. In Bareilly’s Bamiyana village, one man was reportedly lifted into the air along with a tin shed and thrown a considerable distance by strong winds. He later said he suffered multiple fractures and could not recall where he landed. Similar scenes of destruction were reported across rural and semi-urban areas as emergency services struggled to respond to multiple incidents simultaneously.

In addition to wind damage, lightning strikes and structural collapses contributed to the death toll. In Bhadohi and Mirzapur, damaged pontoon bridges led to dangerous situations, including reports of people falling into the Ganga. In Fatehpur, multiple deaths were linked to building collapses and lightning strikes, while similar incidents were reported from Pratapgarh and Kanpur Dehat.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken cognisance of the situation and expressed condolences to the families of the deceased. The state government has directed officials to ensure rapid verification of damages and disbursement of financial assistance within 24 hours. District administrations have also been instructed to send updates on storm-related losses at regular intervals as relief and recovery efforts continue.

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