54 dead as storms, rain and lightning wreak havoc across Uttar Pradesh

At least 54 people have reportedly died across Uttar Pradesh after severe thunderstorms, heavy rain and hailstorms battered multiple districts on Wednesday, triggering large-scale destruction and disruption.

According to reports, incidents involving collapsing walls, uprooted trees, lightning strikes and flying tin sheds caused deaths and injuries in several parts of the state. Thousands of people were also reportedly injured in storm-related incidents.

Meteorologists said the sudden weather change was triggered by a cyclonic system over western Uttar Pradesh combined with easterly winds originating from southern Rajasthan. Wind speeds reportedly reached between 80 and 100 kilometres per hour in several regions. What began as unstable weather conditions on Wednesday afternoon intensified into a major storm system by evening.

Among the worst-affected districts, Bhadohi and the Prayagraj division each reported 10 deaths, followed by Fatehpur with eight, Unnao with seven, Badaun with six, Bareilly with four, Sitapur with two and Raebareli with one fatality. Deaths were also reported from Hardoi, Jhansi, Kanpur Dehat, Sambhal, Pratapgarh and other districts.

In Unnao district alone, three people died in separate storm-related incidents. In the Dahi police station area, a 70-year-old farmer identified as Ram Ashray died after a mango tree collapsed on him. In the Asohivan police station area, a nine-year-old boy named Ansh was killed after a eucalyptus tree fell during the storm. Two others sustained serious injuries and are undergoing treatment at a trauma centre in Lucknow.

The storm uprooted hundreds of trees and electricity poles, disrupting power supply and traffic movement across several districts. Vehicles and houses were also damaged in multiple areas.

The weather department has warned of continued heavy rain, lightning and winds reaching up to 60 kilometres per hour over the next several hours in districts including Lucknow, Unnao, Sitapur, Prayagraj, Jaunpur, Pratapgarh and Banda.

According to the Lucknow Meteorological Centre, the impact of the western disturbance is likely to continue for another one or two days. After May 15, temperatures may rise sharply by 6 to 8 degrees Celsius, with temperatures in several districts expected to cross 45 degrees Celsius.

The Chief Minister’s Office has directed district collectors in affected areas to intensify relief and rescue operations, ensure proper treatment for the injured and provide immediate assistance to families of the deceased.