UP Weather Havoc: 111 Dead, 72 Injured as Storm Hits 26 Districts

On May 13, Uttar Pradesh was struck by a devastating natural calamity as severe storms, torrential rain, hailstorms, and lightning ravaged multiple regions. This extreme weather event has caused widespread destruction across 26 districts of the state, leading to a significant loss of life and property. According to official reports released in the last 24 hours, the death toll has reached 111, while 72 individuals have been reported injured. The impact of the disaster extended beyond human casualties, resulting in the death of 170 livestock and causing extensive damage to 227 houses across the affected areas. The state administration is currently working on a war footing to manage the aftermath of this sudden climatic shift.

District-wise Casualty and Damage Report

The severity of the storm varied across the state, with Prayagraj emerging as the most severely affected district. In Prayagraj alone, 21 people lost their lives due to lightning and storm-related incidents. Mirzapur followed with 19 recorded fatalities, while Bhadohi (Sant Ravidas Nagar) reported 16 deaths. In Fatehpur district, the death toll reached 11. These figures represent the gravity of the situation that unfolded on Monday. Apart from the loss of human life, the destruction of 227 houses has left many families vulnerable. The 26 districts identified as affected are currently undergoing rigorous assessment to identify all victims and the extent of property damage incurred during the storm.

Directives from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath

Taking immediate note of the widespread devastation, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has issued urgent directives to all divisional commissioners and district magistrates. The Chief Minister has mandated that the verification process for all affected families must be completed immediately to ensure no one is left behind, while he has set a strict 24-hour deadline for the distribution of financial assistance and relief funds to the victims and their kin. Also, the Chief Minister emphasized that officials must maintain direct communication with the affected families to provide necessary support, while he warned that any negligence or delay by officials in providing relief would result in strict disciplinary action, as the government prioritizes immediate assistance.

Relief Commissioner’s Review and Emergency Alerts

Relief Commissioner Dr. Hrishikesh Bhaskar Yashod conducted a comprehensive review meeting via video conferencing with officials from the 26 impacted districts. He instructed that officers must personally visit the affected families to facilitate the relief process and ensure that aid reaches the intended recipients. The Relief Commissioner’s office is monitoring the situation continuously through its dedicated control room. In response to the weather warnings, the administration utilized the 'Sachet' portal to send out a massive 34 crore 64 lakh Red and Orange alert messages to the public. On top of that, the state-level disaster helpline number, 1070, is actively resolving complaints and providing assistance to those in need without delay.

Deployment of In-charge Ministers for Ground Relief

To ensure the efficiency and transparency of the relief operations, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed the in-charge ministers of all districts to visit the affected regions. These ministers have been tasked with meeting the victim families personally and overseeing the distribution of relief materials and funds. The district magistrates have already commenced the distribution of relief amounts as per the government's guidelines, while the administration has reiterated its commitment to reaching every affected household swiftly. The involvement of in-charge ministers is intended to provide a direct link between the government and the victims, ensuring that the relief measures are implemented effectively and that all grievances are addressed on the spot.