Nearly 90 killed as powerful storm sweeps across Uttar Pradesh

NEW DELHI: Nearly 90 people were killed after a violent storm accompanied by heavy rain and hail battered India’s most populous state of Uttar Pradesh, officials said on Thursday.

According to a state official who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity, around 89 people lost their lives in storm-related incidents, including lightning strikes and rain damage.

Storms are common across northern India during the hot weather season between March and June, before the arrival of the annual monsoon rains.

Television footage showed powerful winds uprooting trees and billboards in several areas of Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday. Some of the falling structures crashed onto vehicles as thick clouds of dust and debris swept through streets and markets.

Wooden furniture at roadside stalls was also blown away by the strong gusts.

A state relief official said several people were killed after trees and walls of homes collapsed during the storm. However, authorities did not immediately provide details regarding rescue or relief operations.

Senior government officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state with more than 240 million residents, frequently experiences severe weather events during the pre-monsoon season.