A powerful thunderstorm accompanied by heavy rains wreaked havoc across Uttar Pradesh and Bihar on Thursday, resulting in significant loss of life, livestock, and property.
In Uttar Pradesh, at least 22 people and 45 animals were killed, while 15 houses sustained damage, according to the State Relief Commissioner's office.
The Uttar Pradesh government has announced ₹4 lakh ex-gratia compensation for the families of the deceased. In an official statement, the government said, "UP government declares Rs 4 lakh ex-gratia to kin of deceased in thunderstorm and rain that occurred today.
According to the Office of Relief Commissioner, a total of 22 people and 45 animals died and 15 houses were damaged across the state."
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed condolences and directed prompt relief.
Taking to social media, his office posted on X: "Chief Minister @myogiadityanath Ji has expressed deep condolences on the loss of life due to storm and lightning in the state and expressed his condolences to the bereaved families. Maharaj Ji has given instructions to immediately distribute the permissible relief amount of Rs 4 lakhs to the families of those who died in this natural disaster and to provide proper treatment to the injured. Maharaj Ji has also directed the provision of permissible assistance to those affected by animal loss."
Meanwhile, the Regional Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for several districts in eastern Uttar Pradesh. Thunderstorms, lightning, and squalls are expected in areas including Lucknow, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Gorakhpur, and Deoria, among others.
In a parallel tragedy, Bihar’s Nalanda district also reported 22 fatalities due to severe weather conditions. According to officials, 21 people died due to thunderstorms, while one person was struck by lightning. Significant damage was reported to homes, livestock, and crops.
District Magistrate Shashank Shubhankar confirmed the losses and said that the state government would offer compensation. "A total of 22 people have died; of these, 21 died due to thunderstorms while one died due to lightning. CM has given directions for compensation to all the bereaved, and the directions are being followed. A compensation of Rs 4 Lakh each will be provided for the deceased," the DM told ANI.
He also outlined ongoing recovery and assessment operations. "Tomorrow, our team will assess the loss of houses and crops, after which compensation for the same will be provided. Five livestock also died - 3 buffaloes and 2 cows. So, the losses are also being assessed and process of providing compensation is being undertaken...The injured are being provided medical treatment..."
Efforts to restore normalcy are underway. "All uprooted trees are being cleared on war footing. Almost all of our main routes are cleared. Electricity supply was also hit; more than 350 poles fell, and over 15 transformers suffered losses. The department has formed 42 teams and they have run a drive. We hope everything will be cleared by the morning," Shubhankar added.