Lucknow, India. A violent storm that brought rain and hail to India’s most populous state, Uttar Pradesh, killed 89 people, the state disaster management and relief office said on Thursday.
Fatalities and impact reported
Uttar Pradesh’s relief commissioner said on X that “adverse weather conditions” on Wednesday led to 89 deaths. The post also cited reports of 53 people injured, 87 houses damaged and 114 livestock killed due to storms, rain, hail and lightning.
Damage shown in television footage
Television images showed trees and billboards uprooted by gusts of wind, with some crashing into cars amid clouds of dust and debris that also knocked down wooden furniture at roadside stalls.
Causes of deaths and official response
Some of the fatalities were attributed to falling trees and collapsing walls of homes, a state relief official told Reuters. Authorities said the chief minister had directed officials to assist survivors and distribute financial aid within 24 hours.
Seasonal context
Storms are common in Uttar Pradesh during the hot season from March to June, before monsoon rains arrive.
How do local authorities plan to assess storm damage and deliver aid to affected residents?
