Severe Weather Causes Tragedy in Uttar Pradesh: 111 Lives Lost

Devastating Weather Events in Uttar Pradesh

On Wednesday, various regions of Uttar Pradesh experienced severe weather conditions, including strong winds, unseasonal rainfall, and lightning strikes, resulting in significant destruction across 26 districts. According to data released by the Relief Commissioner’s office, the natural calamity has claimed the lives of 111 individuals, with 72 others sustaining injuries. The intensity of the storm was evident as hundreds of trees and power poles were uprooted, causing extensive damage to makeshift homes and tin sheds.

Government Response and Relief Efforts

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath acknowledged the loss of life and property due to the unexpected rain, storms, and lightning, instructing officials to provide relief to affected families within 24 hours. A statement from the Relief Commissioner’s office on Thursday evening reported that the adverse weather on May 13 resulted in fatalities across 26 districts, with 72 injuries, 170 livestock losses, and damage to 227 homes. The Chief Minister has directed all divisional commissioners and district magistrates to verify the incidents with sensitivity and ensure direct communication with affected families to facilitate financial assistance.

Ongoing Monitoring and Support for Victims

The Relief Commissioner’s office is actively monitoring the situation in coordination with district officials and is providing necessary funds to the districts. Adityanath has urged district magistrates and officials from various departments to visit the affected areas and offer all possible support to the victims and their families. He has also instructed officials to remain vigilant and ordered revenue and agriculture departments, along with insurance companies, to assess the damages and report back to the government. Reports from different districts indicate that Prayagraj recorded 26 deaths, Bhadohi 16, Fatehpur nine, Badaun five, Pratapgarh four, with two each in Chandauli and Kushinagar, and one in Sonbhadra. The Prayagraj district administration confirmed 26 fatalities due to the incidents on Wednesday, while Bhadohi reported 16 deaths.

Casualties and Damage Reports

In Fatehpur, the Additional District Magistrate reported nine deaths and 16 injuries. In Pratapgarh, four individuals lost their lives due to the storm and rain. In Kanpur Dehat, lightning struck, resulting in the deaths of two people, including a young woman, while two others died in separate incidents in Deoria. Additionally, a fallen tree in Sonbhadra led to one fatality. Officials noted that the loss of life was exacerbated by the collapse of homes, sheds, and walls in several locations. The Chief Minister has instructed officials to remain on alert, conduct damage assessments, and promptly report findings to the government through the revenue, agriculture departments, and insurance companies.