Unseasonal Rains Devastate Eastern Uttar Pradesh: 15 Dead, Relief and Rescue Operations Underway
In a tragic turn of events, unseasonal rains accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds wreaked widespread havoc across eastern Uttar Pradesh (Purvanchal) over the past 24 hours, claiming the lives of at least 15 people and causing injuries and damage in several districts.
Ayodhya Bears the Brunt
The district of Ayodhya emerged as the worst-affected region during this spell of extreme weather. On Thursday evening, a violent thunderstorm swept through the area, overturning a tractor-trolley, resulting in the tragic deaths of six women. According to the police, three of the victims were buried alive, while the other three perished in a wall collapse triggered by the storm. These incidents have sent shockwaves through local communities already grappling with unstable weather conditions.
Deaths and Destruction in Barabanki and Other Districts
In Barabanki, a similar scene of destruction unfolded when strong gusts of wind blew off a tin shed, which then came crashing down on a group of people seeking shelter. Five individuals, including a six-year-old child, were killed in this tragic accident. In addition, six others sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical attention. The sudden and intense nature of the storm left little time for people to react or find safer shelter.
Meanwhile, reports from Amethi, Maharajganj, Gonda, and Basti indicate that one person in each of these districts lost their life after being struck by lightning, a growing concern during sudden thunderstorms in the region.
Government Response and Chief Minister’s Directives
Recognizing the severity of the situation, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has issued urgent instructions to the state administration, calling for immediate relief and rescue operations in all the affected districts. He stressed that the safety and well-being of residents is the top priority, and that people should not panic as the government is actively managing the crisis.
The Chief Minister has also directed administrative officers and disaster response teams to remain on high alert, ensure the rapid deployment of aid, and personally oversee operations on the ground. In areas experiencing waterlogging, officials have been told to ensure proper drainage and to restore normalcy at the earliest.
Further, Yogi Adityanath emphasized the importance of evaluating the impact on agriculture, directing revenue and agriculture department officers to immediately conduct surveys of crop damage across rain-hit regions. He instructed that a comprehensive report be submitted without delay, so that affected farmers can be compensated quickly for their losses.
Weather Forecast Remains Alarming
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the extreme weather conditions are likely to persist for some time. The department has forecasted that rain and thunderstorms will continue to affect 37 districts in eastern Uttar Pradesh through the evening. In addition, winds reaching speeds of 50 to 60 kilometers per hour are expected to lash many areas, further increasing the risk of structural damage, fallen trees, and accidents.
The forecast also warns of hailstorms in several regions, which could further damage crops, property, and disrupt daily life.
Cities Affected and Infrastructure Disruption
Heavy rainfall and thunderstorm activity were reported in 13 major cities across Purvanchal, including Ayodhya, Bahraich, Gonda, Balrampur, Maharajganj, Kushinagar, Gorakhpur, Amethi, and Lakhimpur. In Ayodhya and Gonda, hailstorms were recorded, compounding the damage. Large trees were uprooted in multiple locations, particularly along highways, leading to serious disruptions in vehicular traffic and road blockages.
Transport and emergency services in many of these areas have been working around the clock to restore road access and respond to the growing number of distress calls.
The sudden bout of unseasonal weather has not only claimed lives but also left behind a trail of destruction that is impacting thousands of families, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. While the administration has acted swiftly to mobilize relief efforts, the situation remains tense with more adverse weather predicted.
As affected communities mourn their losses and struggle to rebuild, the coming days will be crucial in determining the effectiveness of relief operations and the resilience of local infrastructure and emergency response systems.
