Tragedy struck Uttar Pradesh as a powerful storm accompanied by heavy rainfall caused widespread devastation, resulting in the deaths of at least 56 people across several districts. The severe weather system uprooted trees, damaged homes, and disrupted normal life, prompting immediate response from state authorities.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken swift cognisance of the extensive loss of life and property resulting from the unseasonal rains, thunderstorms, and lightning that swept through the state. Immediate directives have been issued to officials to ensure that relief measures reach the affected families within a 24-hour timeframe. The state government is mobilizing resources to provide necessary support and assistance to those impacted by the natural calamity.
As per information available with TahirRihat.com, initial reports from various districts paint a grim picture of the storm’s impact. Prayagraj reported 17 fatalities, while Bhadohi witnessed 16 deaths. Fatehpur reported nine deaths, and Badaun recorded five. Pratapgarh reported four deaths, while Chandauli and Kushinagar each reported two. Sonbhadra district reported one death, bringing the total to 56 across the affected regions.
In Prayagraj, the district administration provided a detailed breakdown of the casualties, (the Prayagraj district administration reported that seven deaths occurred in the Handia area, four in Phulpur, three in Soraon, two in Meja, and one in Sadar). These fatalities were directly attributed to the storm and heavy rainfall that battered the region.
Bhadohi district administration sources indicated that at least 16 individuals lost their lives in storm-related incidents. Additional District Magistrate Kunwar Virendra Kumar Maurya stated that the storm uprooted trees and electric poles in multiple areas, causing significant damage to numerous houses. The extent of the destruction underscores the severity of the weather event and its impact on local communities.
Fatehpur Additional District Magistrate Avinash Tripathi confirmed that nine people were killed and 16 others sustained injuries in storm-related incidents throughout the district. (Tripathi noted that eight people, including five women, died in Khaga tehsil, while a woman died after a house wall collapsed in Sadar tehsil). The widespread impact highlights the urgent need for medical assistance and support for those injured during the storm.
In Pratapgarh, officials reported that four people died in separate incidents involving wall and cemented shed collapses, as well as lightning strikes amid the strong winds and rain. Superintendent of Police Deepak Bhukar provided details on some of the fatalities. (SP Bhukar reported that Bhim Yadav, 25, died after being trapped under debris when a cemented shed collapsed in Ojha Ka Purwa village under the Lalganj Kotwali area). Bhukar also mentioned that Bhushan Pandey, 56, died after a wall collapsed in Sari Swami village under the Baghrai police station area. He added that Shanti Devi, 46, of Narangpur village and Lal Bahadur, 44, of Chhatrapur Shivala Raghna village also died in storm-related incidents, highlighting the widespread devastation.
Kanpur Dehat district also experienced rain-related tragedies, with two persons losing their lives. Police sources said that a 19-year-old woman, Ruchi, died after being struck by lightning in Bhauthari village under the Rasulabad area while standing under a neem tree with goats during heavy rain, and several goats also perished in the incident. A 60-year-old man standing nearby was also injured, further emphasizing the life-threatening nature of the storm.
Additional District Magistrate (Finance and Revenue) Dushyant Kumar stated that reports regarding human and livestock losses have been requested from local officials. He added that financial assistance would be provided in accordance with government regulations, offering a measure of relief to affected families.
Deoria also reported fatalities due to the severe weather. District administration sources said that Komal Yadav, 62, a resident of Bhimpur Gaura village, died after being struck by lightning, and two others were injured in the incident. Ramnath Prasad, 65, a resident of Neruari village, also died due to a lightning strike, underscoring the dangers posed by the electrical storms.
In Sonbhadra district, Madhav Singh, 38, died after being trapped under a tree that was uprooted during the rain and storm. This incident highlights the risk posed by falling trees and debris during severe weather events.
Chief Minister Adityanath has instructed district magistrates and officials from various departments to conduct thorough assessments of the affected areas and provide comprehensive assistance to the victims and their families. He has also directed officials to remain vigilant and ordered the revenue and agriculture departments, along with insurance companies, to conduct surveys of the damage and submit detailed reports to the government, ensuring a coordinated and effective response to the disaster.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
Leave a Reply