At least 56 people have died across India’s Uttar Pradesh state following a severe storm, lightning, and unseasonal heavy rain that struck overnight on Wednesday. The worst-hit districts include Prayagraj, Bhadohi, Fatehpur, and Pratapgarh, where trees were uprooted, electric poles collapsed, and hundreds of homes were damaged. The state government held an emergency meeting led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who directed officials to deliver relief and compensation within 24 hours.

According to official data, Prayagraj recorded 17 deaths, Bhadohi 16, Fatehpur 9, Badaun 5, and Pratapgarh 4, with additional casualties reported in Chandauli, Kushinagar, Sonbhadra, Kanpur Dehat, and Deoria. Rescue and relief operations are ongoing in affected areas, where power outages and blocked roads have disrupted normal life. Agricultural losses are feared, particularly in wheat and vegetable fields inundated by rainwater.

Meteorologists described the storm as unusually intense for this season in northern India, suggesting that climate change may be contributing to more extreme weather events. Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious and avoid taking shelter under trees or in open spaces during storms.