UP killer storm: Over 50 killed as powerful storm, heavy rains sweep several districts

PTC News Desk: Over 50 people have been killed in several districts across Uttar Pradesh after a powerful storm along with heavy rain, dust and strong winds caused widespread destruction on Wednesday evening, officials said. 

A powerful storm caused widespread destruction across several districts of Uttar Pradesh, uprooting trees, damaging homes, disrupting traffic, and affecting electricity and communication services. Relief and restoration work is still underway in many areas.

According to official figures, the death toll has risen from 27 to 54 overnight. The worst-hit district was Prayagraj, where 16 people lost their lives. Bhadohi reported 15 deaths, while Mirzapur recorded 10. Nine people died in Fatehpur, two in Hardoi, and one each in Kanpur Dehat and Kaushambi.

In Prayagraj, strong winds and a severe dust storm caused major destruction. Officials said seven deaths were reported in Handia, four in Phulpur, three in Soraon, and two in Meja. These areas suffered heavy damage as strong winds uprooted large trees and blocked roads, badly affecting traffic movement.

Municipal Corporation Junior Engineer Vinod Patel said reports of fallen trees came from areas such as Patthar Girjaghar, Ashok Nagar, Kachahari Road, and Mahatma Gandhi Marg. An old tree also collapsed in the Kalyani Devi area.

Power supply was disrupted in several parts of Prayagraj after trees and debris damaged electricity lines. Municipal teams were sent to clear roads and restore normal traffic movement.

The storm also caused serious damage at the Triveni Sangam area, where huts set up by pilgrimage priests were blown away and destroyed. Officials described the incident as one of the most severe storm-related disasters seen in the region so far.

In Bhadohi district, the death toll rose to 15, while eight others were injured. Strong winds blew away tin sheds and solar panels, and collapsing walls crushed vehicles in several places.

Officials said the weather suddenly changed around 5 pm on Wednesday, bringing dark clouds and intense dust storms that turned daytime into near darkness. Residents stayed indoors as the storm made outdoor movement extremely risky.

One of the most tragic incidents took place in Khargasenpur village under Suriyawan police station limits, where a woman and her three daughters were killed after a tree fell on their house during the storm.