89 Dead, 53 Injured in UP Storm

At least 89 people died and 53 others were injured when a powerful storm packing heavy rain, hail, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds battered multiple districts across Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday.

The state's Relief Commissioner's office reported the casualties on Thursday, along with damage to 87 houses and the deaths of 114 livestock. Officials attributed many fatalities to falling trees, collapsing walls and sheds, and lightning strikes. Trees and electric poles were uprooted in several areas, while television footage captured billboards toppling onto vehicles amid swirling dust and debris.

Prayagraj saw the highest toll with 17 deaths, including seven in Handia, four in Phulpur, three in Soraon, two in Meja, and one in Sadar, according to the district administration. In Bhadohi, 16 people perished in storm-related incidents, with Additional District Magistrate Kunwar Virendra Kumar Maurya noting widespread uprooting of trees and poles alongside house damage. Fatehpur reported nine deaths and 16 injuries, mostly in Khaga tehsil where eight people, including five women, were killed; one more died from a collapsing wall in Sadar tehsil, said Additional District...