A powerful thunderstorm that tore through large parts of Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday afternoon claimed at least 117 lives, according to a report by TOI. The storm further flattened homes, uprooted trees and electricity poles, and left hundreds of families dealing with the aftermath of one of the state’s deadliest weather events in recent years.
According to government data accessed by TOI, 113 people died due to storm-related incidents such as collapsing walls, falling trees and damaged structures, while four others were killed in lightning strikes. At least 79 people were injured.
The storm also caused extensive damage to livestock and homes. Officials reported the deaths of 177 animals and damage to 330 houses across multiple districts.
Prayagraj emerged as the worst-hit district, recording 23 deaths as high-speed winds ripped through residential areas. Mirzapur reported 19 deaths, Sant Ravidas Nagar 16, and Fatehpur 11. Casualties were also reported from Rae Bareli, Unnao, Budaun and several other districts.
Winds touched near-cyclonic speeds
Meteorological data showed that wind speeds reached exceptionally high levels during the storm. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said Bareilly and Prayagraj recorded gusts of up to 130 kmph, among the strongest seen in Uttar Pradesh in recent years.
Chandauli witnessed winds of 113 kmph, Budaun recorded 109 kmph, while Mirzapur and Rampur saw gusts touching 107 kmph. Moradabad also experienced winds crossing 102 kmph.
Officials told the news outlet that the intensity of the winds explains the large-scale destruction witnessed across villages and semi-urban areas, where weak structures and temporary shelters collapsed within minutes.
Apart from human casualties, the storm severely affected livestock and housing. Sant Ravidas Nagar reported 28 animal deaths, Rae Bareli 24 and Prayagraj 20. Chandauli and Sonbhadra suffered major property damage, with 83 and 81 houses damaged respectively.
Relief Commissioner Hrishikesh Bhaskar Yashod said district administrations had begun damage assessment and relief distribution. Families of the deceased will receive compensation of Rs 4 lakh under State Disaster Response Fund norms, while assistance for injured people, damaged houses and livestock losses will be provided after verification.
Explaining the phenomenon, India Meteorological Department senior scientist Mohammad Danish said the storm was a “thunder squall” generated by a combination of local weather conditions, a western disturbance over Pakistan and cyclonic circulation over western Uttar Pradesh.
“The intense storm that hit southern, eastern and northwest parts of Uttar Pradesh was accompanied by high-velocity winds and gusts of up to 100 kmph,” he told TOI.
Danish explained that a squall occurs when wind speed rises suddenly and violently, giving people very little time to move to safety. “Such storms uproot trees, damage poles and blow away temporary structures because the force hits instantly,” he said.
According to the IMD scientist, rapidly rising temperatures in southern districts and the Terai belt heated the ground intensely, causing hot air to rise quickly. Cooler winds rushed in to fill the gap, creating the high-speed squall conditions.
Weather officials have warned that heatwave conditions are likely to intensify in the coming days as no major weather system is expected to bring relief to the state anytime soon.
