At least 111 people were killed and 72 others injured after severe hailstorms, accompanied by heavy rain and lightning, wreaked havoc in 25 districts of Uttar Pradesh between Wednesday and Thursday morning.
According to the office of Uttar Pradesh Relief Commissioner Hrishikesh Bhaskar Yashod, the highest number of deaths were reported in Prayagraj (21), Mirzapur (19), Sant Ravidas Nagar (16) and Fatehpur (11). There were also reports of losses in 170 heads of livestock and damage to 227 homes in various districts of the state.
The Relief Commissioner further said that the situation in various districts is being regularly monitored by the Integrated Command and Control Centre.
In Bhamora area of Bareilly district, Nanhi Ansari, a resident of Babiana village, was reportedly lifted about 50 feet into the air with a tin shed. Al-Ansari fell into a corn field and was injured after the accident. A video clip of Al-Ansari flying in the air was widely circulated on social media.
UP CM Yogi Adityanath directs relief measures
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took note of the damage caused by storms, rain and lightning. The Prime Minister expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and directed officials to provide relief measures immediately.
District magistrates have been directed to start relief and rescue operations in their areas. Direct agents were asked to distribute gratuities to family members of those killed and injured in lightning and snow storms.
Adityanath also directed officials to immediately visit the affected sites and provide assistance to the victims and release compensation, a state government spokesperson said.
He added that the ministers responsible for various regions have been directed to visit their areas on Friday to monitor the relief operation. The Prime Minister also instructed the district magistrates to provide updates on the situation to the Prime Minister’s Office every three hours.
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Information regarding loss of human lives, loss of livestock and damage to crops has been received from 25 districts including Barabanki, Bahraich, Kanpur Dehat, Basti, Sambhal, Hardoi and Unnao. The government spokesman said that a large number of homes were also damaged due to the hailstorm and rain.
He added that district judges and officers of various departments have been directed to complete a survey of the damage to crops and homes as soon as possible so that compensation can be disbursed to those affected in coordination with the relevant departments.
District magistrates have been asked to give priority to relief work. The spokesman said they were asked to update information regarding compensation distribution, rescue operations and other related works on social media.
