45 dead in India as thundershowers, high winds batter country’s Uttar Pradesh state video

At least 45 people lost their lives in India’s Uttar Pradesh state after heavy winds and thunderstorms struck several districts during the intervening night of May 21 and 22. Among the deceased, two individuals were killed after being struck by lightning.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath closely monitored the situation and directed officials to initiate relief and rescue operations promptly in the affected areas, Caliber.Az reports per Indian media.

Relief Commissioner Bhanu Chandra Goswami instructed all divisional commissioners to ensure compensation is disbursed to the families of the deceased within 24 hours, preferably by May 22. He further advised that districts lacking necessary funds should notify headquarters immediately to facilitate the release of resources.

Local administrations have been directed to conduct surveys of agricultural fields to assess crop damage and submit their reports to the headquarters promptly, enabling timely compensation.

Massive Storm Rocks Delhi NCR: Trees Uprooted, Electric Polls Fell| Watch Shocking Visuals Of Damages#TNDIGITALVIDEOS #Delhi #Rains pic.twitter.com/IOUq9nR1tp

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According to a government spokesperson, 18 districts were impacted by hailstorms, strong winds, and thundershowers. The fatalities included five each in Kasganj and Fatehpur, four each in Meerut and Auraiya, three each in Bulandshahr, Gautam Budh Nagar, Kanpur Nagar, Kannauj, and Etah, two each in Ghaziabad, Etawah, and Kanpur Dehat, and one each in Firozabad, Aligarh, Hathras, and Amethi. Additionally, one death each due to lightning was reported in Chitrakoot and Ambedkarnagar.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributed the severe weather to cyclonic circulations over Punjab, which led to squally winds ranging from 60 to 100 kmph across parts of the state. Heavy rainfall was also recorded in eastern Uttar Pradesh.

The IMD has forecast further thunderstorm activity until May 26, with the likelihood of light to moderate rain and gusty winds, particularly across central Uttar Pradesh and the Terai regions. The department also predicted a drop of 2–4°C in maximum temperatures until May 24, followed by a rise of 2–3°C in the subsequent days.

Warnings have been issued to the necessary districts to alert residents in advance should the weather conditions worsen.

By Sabina Mammadli