Severe thunderstorms, heavy rain and lightning wreaked havoc across Uttar Pradesh over the past 24 hours, leaving at least 94 people dead and causing widespread destruction in several districts.
The highest number of deaths was reported from Prayagraj and Bhadohi, where 17 people each lost their lives. In Mirzapur, 15 people died due to thunderstorms and lightning strikes. Fatehpur reported nine deaths, while six people died in Badaun. Four deaths each were reported from Pratapgarh and Bareilly.
Strong winds, hailstorms and rain lash 30 districts
During the last 24 hours, rainfall was reported in nearly 30 districts, including Ghaziabad, Varanasi and Ayodhya.
Mathura, Unnao and Prayagraj witnessed hailstorms along with heavy rain and strong winds. Several trees were uprooted and fell on roads and residential areas, disrupting normal life in many places.
Man flung nearly 100 metres in Bareilly
One of the most dramatic incidents was reported from Bareilly, where a young man was swept away along with a tin shed during strong winds.
According to local reports, the youth was lifted nearly 45 feet into the air before being thrown into a field around 100 metres away. He suffered fractures in both arms and legs and is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital.
In Bareilly, a man was swept away along with a tin shed. During a storm, the youth was lifted to a height of approximately 45 feet.
In Bareilly, a man was swept away by a storm and landed in a field 100 meters away. He was admitted to the hospital in critical condition.
Power outage in more than 2,000 villages
The severe weather also disrupted electricity supply in more than 2,000 villages across districts such as Deoria, Barabanki and Sitapur. Restoration work is underway in affected regions.
Banda recorded state’s highest temperature
While storms affected several districts, Banda remained the hottest city in Uttar Pradesh, recording a maximum temperature of 45.4 degrees Celsius.
Meteorologist Atul Kumar Singh from Lucknow said the western disturbance affecting the state is gradually weakening.
“From today onward, the western disturbance will start weakening, leading to clearer weather conditions across the state. Temperatures will gradually rise, and both daytime and nighttime heat will increase. From May 16, heatwave conditions may intensify in Bundelkhand and southern districts,” he said.
Wednesday’s weather pictures-
During the storm and rain in Varanasi, strong lightning flashed in many areas, scaring people.
Heavy rain occurred in rural areas of Mathura on Wednesday night. Large hailstones fell.
In Gonda, a huge neem tree fell on a Scorpio during a strong storm, crushing the entire car.
Large hailstones fell in Prayagraj. People were surprised to see them.
A neem tree fell on a car in Unnao. A young man narrowly escaped in the accident.
A dust storm swept through Unnao. Animals were seen running on the road.
Weather forecast for the next five days
- May 15: Strong sunshine is expected across the state with clear skies. Temperatures may touch 45 degrees Celsius in several areas.
- May 16: Clear weather and intense sunlight will increase heat levels. Nights are also expected to become warmer. Heatwave conditions may develop in some districts.
- May 17: Dry weather is likely across Uttar Pradesh. No thunderstorm or rainfall alert has been issued.
- May 18: Eastern and western Uttar Pradesh are expected to witness clear weather. Heatwave conditions may intensify further.
- May 19: Severe heat is likely across the state, with most districts expected to record temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius. Heatwave conditions are expected in many areas.
