lightning deaths India

At least 96 people have died and more than 50 others were injured after powerful dust storms, heavy rainfall and lightning swept through northern India, causing widespread destruction across several districts in Uttar Pradesh, the country’s most populous state.

Officials said the severe weather struck late Wednesday, damaging homes, crops and electricity infrastructure while uprooting trees and collapsing buildings in both urban and rural communities.

Authorities confirmed that many victims were killed by falling trees, lightning strikes and collapsing structures as strong winds battered the region. Emergency responders and disaster management teams were deployed immediately to clear blocked roads and railway tracks using chainsaws and cranes.

The worst-hit areas included Prayagraj and Bhadohi districts, where residents described scenes of panic as dark skies and violent winds arrived suddenly.

“The storm came suddenly and the sky turned completely dark within minutes,” resident Ram Kishore said. “Tin roofs were flying and people ran indoors. We could hear trees falling throughout the evening.”

In neighboring Bhadohi district, resident Savitri Devi said her family narrowly escaped tragedy after their mud house was severely damaged during the storm.

“We rushed outside when the walls started shaking because of the wind. Our roof collapsed moments later. We spent the night at a relative’s house,” she said.

Administrative official Narendra N. Srivastava said emergency teams were working across affected communities while assessing extensive damage to homes, farms and public infrastructure.

Dust storms and thunderstorms are common in northern India between March and June, especially before the annual monsoon season begins. However, officials say the intensity of this latest weather event caused unusually high casualties and destruction.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered authorities to complete relief and rescue operations within 24 hours and directed officials to provide compensation and emergency support to families affected by the disaster.