Uttar Pradesh Storm Death Toll Rises to 111 as Severe Weather Wreaks Havoc in India

The death toll from severe storms in northern Uttar Pradesh has risen to at least 111, according to government officials, after powerful weather systems caused widespread destruction across multiple districts.

The storms, which included strong winds, lightning, and heavy rainfall, struck on Wednesday, damaging homes, uprooting trees, and blocking roads. Authorities confirmed that the earlier death count had increased as additional reports of casualties were received from affected areas.

According to officials from the Relief Commissioner’s office, the statement said:

“Reports of 111 deaths were received,” the statement read, adding that 72 people were injured.

Earlier figures had reported 89 deaths and dozens of injuries, but the toll was later revised upward as assessments continued.

Some media outlets, including local reports, suggested the number of fatalities could be even higher, though this has not yet been independently confirmed.

Eyewitness videos widely circulated on Indian media showed extreme wind conditions, including scenes of roofs being torn off buildings. In one incident from Bareilly district, a man reportedly working on securing a tin roof was lifted into the air by strong winds.

The worker, identified as a laborer named Nanhe Ansari, described the terrifying moment, stating:

“The tin sheet started shaking due to strong winds, so I asked them to bring a rope to tie it down,” he told PTI from his hospital bed.

“While some of us were holding it and one person was tying it, a very strong gust of wind came. My grip did not loosen, and I was lifted nearly 50 feet (15 metres) into the air along with the tin sheet and thrown about 80 feet away,” he added.

Authorities have attributed the disaster to intense pre-monsoon storm activity, a seasonal pattern that frequently affects northern India. Experts note that extreme weather events in the region have become more frequent in recent years, with climate change contributing to stronger thunderstorms and lightning incidents.

Officials have announced that relief and financial assistance will be distributed to affected families as recovery efforts continue across the state.