Severe thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and hailstorms have caused widespread destruction across Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday, while triggered by an active Western Disturbance, the extreme weather conditions led to several tragic incidents, including falling trees, collapsing houses, and lightning strikes. According to reports, at least 15 people have lost their lives in various weather-related accidents across the state, while many others have sustained injuries. The Meteorological Department has responded by issuing a yellow alert for 38 districts, warning of continued rain, lightning, and high-velocity winds in the coming hours.
Widespread Destruction and Loss of Life
The storm unleashed its fury across multiple districts, disrupting normal life and causing significant infrastructural damage, while around 2:30 PM on Wednesday, heavy rain accompanied by hailstones lashed Unnao and Prayagraj. The intensity of the winds was so high that it uprooted massive trees, blew away tin sheds, and brought down heavy signboards and unipoles. In districts like Prayagraj, Jaunpur, Pratapgarh, and Banda, wind speeds reached up to 80 kilometers per hour. Similarly, in Bareilly and Budaun, several signboards and unipoles were uprooted due to the gale. In a notable incident in Unnao, a large tree fell onto a car parked on the road, completely crushing the vehicle.
Tragedy in Unnao and Administrative Response
In Unnao district, the storm claimed the lives of three individuals, including a young child. In Shigupur village under the Dahi police station area, 70-year-old Ram Ashray was sitting under a mango tree when it suddenly collapsed, killing him on the spot. In another incident in Maqbool Kheda village of the Aasivan police station area, a 9-year-old boy named Ansh died after a eucalyptus tree fell on him by the roadside. Two others, identified as Amit and Rajepal, were seriously injured in these accidents and have been referred to the Trauma Center in Lucknow for advanced treatment. ADM Sushil Kumar of Unnao confirmed the deaths of three persons and three cattle in the district. He stated that the administration is currently assessing the total damage and the process to provide financial assistance to the affected families has been initiated.
Yellow Alert in 38 Districts and Future Forecast
The Meteorological Department has placed 38 districts under a yellow alert, including Lucknow, Unnao, and Sitapur. Atul Kumar Singh, a scientist at the Lucknow Meteorological Centre, explained that the current weather shift is due to the activation of a Western Disturbance, which will keep the weather volatile for the next 24 to 48 hours. Winds gusting up to 60 kmph, heavy rain, and lightning are expected in several regions. While the rain has brought a temporary dip in temperatures, the relief is expected to be short-lived. The department predicts that intense heat will return from May 15, with temperatures likely to rise by 6 to 8 degrees Celsius, potentially pushing the mercury past the 45-degree mark.
Earlier on Wednesday morning, rain was reported in Sambhal, Meerut, and Bareilly, while Shahjahanpur experienced a heavy dust storm. In Bareilly and Rampur, winds at 50 kmph uprooted several unipoles along the roads, affecting traffic movement. The weather office has advised citizens to remain in safe structures during the storm and avoid taking shelter under trees or dilapidated buildings. Local administrations across the affected 38 districts remain on high alert as they continue to compile detailed reports on the loss of life and property damage caused by this sudden natural calamity.