Deadly storms, lightning kill over 100 across Uttar Pradesh; Yogi govt announces compensation

At least 107 people have died across Uttar Pradesh after powerful thunderstorms, lightning strikes, hailstorms and heavy rain battered several districts over the past 36 to 48 hours, according to state authorities.

The extreme weather caused widespread destruction across more than two dozen districts, uprooting trees, damaging homes, disrupting power supply and affecting transport and communication networks. Prayagraj emerged as one of the worst-hit districts, followed by Sant Ravidas Nagar, Fatehpur, Mirzapur and Bhadohi.

According to official figures cited in reports, the death toll initially stood at 89 before rising further as more casualties were confirmed from affected districts. Many of the deaths were caused by collapsing walls, uprooted trees, lightning strikes and storm-related accidents.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced an ex gratia compensation of ₹4 lakh for the families of each deceased victim. He also directed district administrations to immediately begin relief and rescue operations and ensure assistance reaches affected families within 24 hours.

Officials said dozens of people were injured in the storms, while livestock losses and large-scale property damage were also reported. State authorities said at least 87 houses were damaged and over 100 livestock deaths had been recorded in multiple districts.

The storms swept through large parts of eastern and central Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday evening, bringing dust storms, intense winds, heavy rain and lightning. Residents described sudden darkness, flying debris and collapsing structures during the storm.

In Prayagraj, municipal teams and disaster response personnel used cranes and chainsaws to clear uprooted trees blocking roads and railway tracks. Electricity supply was disrupted in several localities as strong winds damaged poles and transmission lines.

District officials said rescue and restoration work was slowed in some areas due to communication outages and damaged infrastructure. Emergency response teams were deployed across affected districts to monitor relief operations and assess losses.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued alerts warning of thunderstorms, hail and strong winds across parts of north India earlier this week. Similar weather disturbances also affected parts of Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.

Pre-monsoon storms are common across northern India between March and June, but officials and weather experts said the intensity and scale of casualties from the latest storm system were unusually severe.