Violent Pre-Monsoon Storm Claims Hundreds of Lives Across Uttar Pradesh

On the evening of 13 May 2026, a severe thunderstorm with rain, hail, lightning and wind struck Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state of about 240 million people. The Indian Meteorological Department had issued a highest-level warning, but gusts peaked near 80 mph, far above the forecasted 37 mph. The storm affected districts such as Prayagraj, Bhadohi, Fatehpur, Sonbhadra and Kanpur Dehat, toppling trees, electric poles and makeshift roofs.

Nearly 90 killed as powerful storm sweeps across Uttar Pradesh

Pre-monsoon storms are common in northern India’s March-June hot season; May is usually the hottest, driest month, yet sudden thunderstorms often occur. The 2026 southwest monsoon is expected to be weak and may arrive early.

The Independent

State officials reported 89 deaths, 53 injuries, 114 livestock losses and 87 homes damaged; Reuters cited 104 deaths and 59 injuries; the New York Times listed at least 111 fatalities, 72 injuries and 227 homes destroyed. Network outages delayed verification in several districts.

89 killed as storm, heavy rain and lightning wreak havoc across Uttar Pradesh

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath pledged all possible help within 24 hours for families who lost lives, property or livestock. Relief Commissioner Hrishikesh Bhaskar Yashod said priority is rescuing trapped people, clearing roads and restoring water and electricity. District magistrates were ordered to verify incidents, release emergency funds and coordinate directly with victims.

Over 100 dead when raging storm tears through India's Uttar Pradesh

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav called the disaster “extremely saddening,” urging faster relief on a “war footing” and swift compensation for victims.

The Hindu

Residents described sudden darkness and flying debris. Ashok Rai of Obra said the area went black for half an hour and winds hurled hoardings and coal dust. Ram Kishore in Prayagraj recalled the sky turning completely dark within minutes.

Over 100 dead when raging storm tears through India's Uttar Pradesh

The state continues rescue operations, emergency fund releases and damage monitoring. Officials expect the southwest monsoon early next week, potentially adding rainfall. A damage survey with insurers and agriculture agencies aims for completion within two weeks. The event highlights the vulnerability of densely populated northern Indian regions to extreme pre-monsoon weather.

New York Times

• “Our top priority is to rescue the people still trapped under damaged houses, and then to clear roads blocked by felled trees and collapsed structures.” — Hrishikesh Bhaskar Yashod, Uttar Pradesh Relief Commissioner

New York Times

• “All possible help will be provided within 24 hours to affected families who lost people, properties and animals to the untimely rains, thunderstorm and lightning.” — Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh

New York Times

• “The entire area where we live turned black for around half an hour.” — Ashok Rai, resident of Obra, Sonbhadra district

Over 100 dead when raging storm tears through India's Uttar Pradesh

• “Strong winds lifted hoardings and signboards and thick coal dust from the ground and hurled them around.” — Ashok Rai, resident of Obra

Over 100 dead when raging storm tears through India's Uttar Pradesh

• “The storm came suddenly and the sky turned completely dark within minutes.” — Ram Kishore, Prayagraj resident

Dust storms and lightning kill at least 96 people in northern India

• “It was extremely saddening that 54 people had died.” — Akhilesh Yadav, Samajwadi Party chief

The Hindu