Nearly 90 killed as severe storm hits India’s Uttar Pradesh state PHOTO

Nearly 90 people have been killed after a severe storm system struck India’s most populous state, Uttar Pradesh, according to the state disaster management and relief office.

In a statement on X, the state’s relief commissioner said 89 deaths were confirmed on May 13 due to “adverse weather conditions,” including heavy rain, hail, and lightning, Caliber.Az reports, citing Reuters.

The storms also left 53 people injured, damaged 87 homes, and killed 114 livestock, according to the same statement.

Storms are a frequent occurrence in northern India during the pre-monsoon season from March to June, before the arrival of the annual monsoon brings relief from extreme heat.

Television footage showed strong winds uprooting trees and billboards, some of which fell onto vehicles, while dust storms scattered debris and damaged roadside stalls.

Some of the deaths were caused by falling trees and collapsing house walls.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has instructed officials to support survivors and distribute financial aid within 24 hours, according to authorities.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov