89 killed as thunderstorm batters Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW: At least 89 people were killed after powerful thunderstorms, accompanied by lightning and strong winds, swept across Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday, causing widespread destruction across several districts, according to an official state damage report.

The worst-hit districts included Prayagraj, where 21 people lost their lives, Sant Ravidas Nagar with 14 deaths, Fatehpur with 11 deaths, and Mirzapur with 10 fatalities. Several other districts, including Unnao, Badaun, Bareilly and Pratapgarh, also reported casualties as storms uprooted trees, damaged houses and triggered wall collapses.

The report, prepared by Uttar Pradesh authorities, said 53 people were injured in storm-related incidents, while 114 animals were also killed during the extreme weather event. Damage to homes and property was reported from multiple districts.

According to officials, most deaths were caused by collapsing walls, falling trees and lightning strikes during intense dust storms and heavy rainfall that lashed the state between 8 am and 11.30 pm on Wednesday.

The India Meteorological Department had issued warnings for thunderstorms and lightning across parts of north India amid changing weather conditions linked to western disturbances.

Local administrations were assessing losses and providing assistance to affected families.