Severe storms wreak havoc across Uttar Pradesh; 94 die in state; 17 in Prayagraj, 16 in Bhadohi; check IMD predictions
On Wednesday, 94 people lost their lives across 30 districts of Uttar Pradesh—including Prayagraj and Ayodhya—due to severe storms and squalls. The highest death toll was recorded in Prayagraj (17 fatalities), followed by Bhadohi (16 fatalities).
Alert for heavy storms and rainfall
Gusts reaching speeds of 80 km/h swept through the region; in Bareilly, a young man was reportedly lifted into the air along with a tin shed. In the city of Banda, the temperature soared to 45.4°C. An alert for heavy storms and rainfall has been issued for 51 districts today.
Hundreds of trees uprooted
On Wednesday, a cyclonic storm accompanied by heavy rains wreaked havoc across Uttar Pradesh. In several districts—including Prayagraj, Bhadohi, Fatehpur, Pratapgarh, Sitapur, and Bahraich—hundreds of trees were uprooted by the storms. Furthermore, the uprooting of electricity poles severely disrupted power supply, plunging many areas into darkness. Dozens of kuccha (mud-and-thatch) houses also sustained damage due to the storms and rain.
CM reviews the situation
Late Wednesday night, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath convened a meeting to review the situation regarding the storms, unseasonal rains, and lightning strikes, issuing directives to provide compensation to the victims within 24 hours. CM Yogi instructed the District Magistrates of the affected areas, along with officials from relevant departments, to visit the sites in person.
Crop damage survey
He also expressed his deepest condolences to the bereaved families of the deceased. The Chief Minister has directed officials to remain on high alert. Additionally, he instructed the Revenue Department, the Agriculture Department, and insurance companies to conduct a survey of the damages and submit a report to the government. Following the survey, officials have been directed to complete the damage assessment and disburse compensation immediately. These events have severely disrupted normal public life across the state.
Wind speeds exceeded 100 km/h in some locations
According to the India Meteorological Department, severe storms and rainfall were recorded in several parts of the state. During this period, wind speeds exceeded 100 km/h in some locations, while gusty winds ranging from 60 to 70 km/h swept through other areas.
The maximum devastation was witnessed in the Prayagraj division and the Purvanchal region. In Fatehpur, reports indicate that ten people lost their lives in various storm-related incidents.
Possibility of another heatwave
The Meteorological Department has forecast the possibility of another heatwave sweeping across the southern parts of the state over the coming week, attributing this to predominantly dry weather conditions and a continuous rise in temperatures. Notably, despite instances of storms and rainfall, an upward trend in temperatures has been recorded in several parts of the state.
According to the Meteorological Department, the maximum temperature in the Bundelkhand region crossed the 45°C mark on Wednesday. Banda recorded the highest temperature at 45.4°C, while Jhansi and Prayagraj recorded temperatures of 44.5°C and 43.5°C, respectively.
The Department further stated that the weather in the state is expected to remain largely dry in the coming days; consequently, the impact of heatwaves may once again be felt, particularly in southern Uttar Pradesh and the Bundelkhand region.
In the state capital, Lucknow, the maximum temperature recorded on Wednesday was 38.1°C, while the minimum temperature stood at 27.4°C. According to the Department, the skies over Lucknow and its surrounding areas are expected to remain predominantly clear over the next 24 hours.
Rajasthan also grappling with heatwaves
Rajasthan is also currently grappling with the effects of intense heat and heatwaves. For the fourth consecutive day on Wednesday, Jaisalmer emerged as the hottest city in the country, recording a temperature of 46.1°C. According to the Meteorological Department, a 'Red Alert' for severe heat has been issued for Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, and Barmer for today. Additionally, a heatwave warning remains in effect for 13 districts across the state.
Weather in MP
Meanwhile, more than 25 districts in Madhya Pradesh are currently experiencing heatwave conditions, which are expected to persist until May 18. On Wednesday, the temperature in Khajuraho reached 45.4°C. Today, an 'Orange Alert' for heatwaves has been issued for Indore, Ujjain, Dhar, and Ratlam; these districts have also been placed under alert for "warm nights."