A devastating thunderstorm swept across Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming at least 117 lives, according to official data. The Uttar Pradesh Relief Commissioner’s office reported that 113 deaths were caused by violent storms and collapsing structures, while four people died due to lightning strikes.
Casualties and Damage
The disaster, which unfolded on Wednesday afternoon, also left 79 people injured, caused the death of 177 animals, and damaged 330 houses across multiple districts. The worst-affected district was Prayagraj, where 23 people died after strong winds uprooted trees, collapsed walls, and damaged houses. Mirzapur followed with 19 deaths, while Sant Ravidas Nagar recorded 16 casualties and Fatehpur reported 11 deaths. Districts including Rae Bareli, Unnao, and Budaun also witnessed significant loss of life.
Wind Speeds and Impact
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported wind speeds touching nearly cyclonic levels in several districts. Bareilly and Prayagraj recorded gusts of up to 130 kmph, among the highest measured in the state in recent years. Chandauli witnessed winds of 113 kmph, while Budaun saw 109 kmph. Mirzapur and Rampur recorded 107 kmph, and Moradabad experienced winds crossing 102 kmph. Such wind velocities are capable of uprooting trees, damaging electricity poles, and flattening weak structures, explaining the extensive destruction in rural and semi-urban areas.
Livestock and Property Loss
Apart from human casualties, the storm inflicted heavy damage on livestock and property. Sant Ravidas Nagar reported 28 animal deaths, Rae Bareli 24, and Prayagraj 20. Chandauli and Sonbhadra reported severe damage to houses, with 83 and 81 houses damaged, respectively.
Relief and Compensation
Relief officials stated that district administrations have started assessment and compensation procedures. Relief Commissioner Hrishikesh Bhaskar Yashod said the state government has initiated relief distribution, and each deceased victim’s family would receive Rs 4 lakh as compensation under State Disaster Response Fund norms. Compensation for damaged houses, injured persons, and livestock losses will also be provided after verification by district authorities.
Meteorological Explanation
Mohammad Danish, senior scientist at the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Lucknow, explained: “The intense storm that hit southern, eastern and northwest parts of Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday was a thunder squall with high velocity winds along with gusts measuring up to 100 km per hour.” He elaborated that a squall is a storm where wind velocity increases suddenly and rapidly, hitting objects on the ground with instant speed, causing more damage. It gives little time for people to take refuge. The thunder squall was created due to local factors as well as a western disturbance over Pakistan and a cyclonic circulation over west UP. Temperatures in southern parts of the state and Terai Belt rose suddenly, heating the ground intensely, causing hot air to move upward. As this hot air rose, cooler winds moved in to fill the vacuum, leading to high-velocity squall. With no weather system coming, heat conditions will intensify with hot winds in several parts of the state.
