Western Disturbance from Northern Pakistan Wreaks Havoc Across Central Uttar Pradesh: 4 Dead, 11 Injured as Hailstorm, 70 km/h Winds Devastate Crops in Kanpur, Bundelkhand, Braj Region
A powerful western disturbance originating from northern Pakistan unleashed widespread destruction across several regions of Uttar Pradesh on Saturday, leaving a trail of casualties, injuries, and extensive agricultural losses.
Several districts in parts of Eastern Uttar Pradesh, including Prayagraj, were also affected.
The adverse weather system brought intense thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, hailstorms, and strong gusty winds that battered Kanpur, Bundelkhand, Braj Mandal, and several districts of central Uttar Pradesh.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), an Orange Alert has been issued for 26 districts of the state for Sunday, warning of continued thunderstorms accompanied by lightning strikes, hailstorms, and strong winds, posing a serious risk to life, property, and standing crops.
In Kanpur and surrounding areas, stormy winds reached speeds of up to 70 km/h, accompanied by 21.4 mm of rainfall within a short span, causing significant disruption to normal life.
Tragedy struck in Kakadev locality, where a tree collapsed due to the powerful winds, resulting in the death of two individuals, including a woman.
In Kasganj district’s Ganjdundwara region, another fatal accident occurred near Nawada village when a tree fell on a moving motorcycle. The incident claimed the lives of a brother and sister, while two others sustained injuries.
In the Agra district, nine people were injured after a house collapsed in Mai Buzurg village due to the intense storm activity. Agricultural damage has been particularly severe in the Bundelkhand region, including Hamirpur,
Banda and Jalaun districts, where standing crops were badly affected by heavy rainfall and large hailstones.
Farmers in the Madhogarh area of Jalaun reported intense hailstorms that flattened crops within minutes.
Rail services were also disrupted after a tree fell on railway tracks between Govindpuri and Juhi stations, affecting train operations on the busy Delhi route.
In the Agra district, Fatehpur Sikri and Etmadpur areas witnessed the most extensive damage to crops and infrastructure. Similarly, farmers in Mathura reported significant losses due to hail and unseasonal rains.
The impact of the western disturbance extended to eastern Uttar Pradesh as well. Varanasi and adjoining parts of Purvanchal remained under dense cloud cover throughout Saturday, with daytime temperatures dropping by nearly 2°C over the past 24 hours, indicating the widespread influence of the weather system.
Authorities have advised residents to remain cautious and avoid open areas during thunderstorms, as lightning strikes and falling trees continue to pose a major threat.
Farmers have been urged to take precautionary measures to minimize crop damage, while emergency teams remain on alert to respond to any further weather-related incidents.
