A powerful storm swept through India’s northern state of Uttar Pradesh, killing more than 100 people and causing widespread destruction across several districts, officials said on Thursday.
The violent weather system brought intense rain, hail and strong winds, damaging homes, uprooting trees and disrupting daily life in India’s most populous state.
According to state authorities, at least 104 people were killed in around a dozen districts, with the worst-hit areas located near the city of Prayagraj. Rescue officials said dozens more were injured as emergency teams responded to incidents across the region.
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The storm also injured at least 59 people, damaged 87 homes and killed 114 livestock, adding to the scale of losses faced by affected communities.
Officials said many fatalities were caused by collapsing walls, falling trees and debris thrown by high-speed winds.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as skies suddenly darkened and strong gusts lifted signboards, dust and other objects into the air.
Residents in Sonbhadra district reported severe conditions, saying visibility dropped dramatically as winds swept through streets and residential areas.
Television footage showed widespread damage, including uprooted trees blocking roads, damaged vehicles and roadside stalls destroyed by flying debris.
One widely circulated video reportedly showed a man being lifted into the air by powerful winds after clinging to a tin structure. Local media said he survived with injuries.
Storms are relatively common in northern India during the pre-monsoon hot season from March to June, but the intensity of this latest weather event has raised concerns over increasing climate-related extremes.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered officials to distribute financial aid to survivors and affected families within 24 hours.
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He also directed authorities to provide immediate relief and assistance to communities impacted by the storm.
Emergency teams continue to assess the full scale of damage while clearing roads and restoring essential services in affected districts.
Weather experts have warned that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent in South Asia, increasing risks for vulnerable populations during seasonal transitions.