Havoc Wreaked by Storms, Rain, and Lightning in UP and Bihar: 44 Dead; Storm Alert Issued for Delhi-NCR Today

On Monday, severe storms—accompanied by heavy rain, hailstorms, and lightning strikes—wreaked havoc across the region. Accidents resulting from these conditions claimed the lives of 24 people in Uttar Pradesh and 20 in Bihar. A large number of people also sustained injuries.

Severe Damage to Vegetable Crops

The adverse weather disrupted daily life and caused extensive damage to crops. High winds caused power poles to topple and wires to snap, cutting off electricity supply to hundreds of villages. Consequently, roads were blocked in several areas, and crops—including mangoes, wheat, and vegetables—suffered heavy damage.

Alert Issued for Over 50 Districts, Including Lucknow

Amidst scorching summer heat, Uttar Pradesh has been experiencing intermittent rainfall over the past week. On Monday, in over 50 districts—including Lucknow—dark clouds gathered in the sky around 8:30 AM, plunging the morning into darkness. Strong winds and rain, accompanied by thunder and lightning, began shortly thereafter. During this time, vehicles traveling on the roads were forced to switch on their headlights.

According to the Meteorological Department, an alert has been issued for Tuesday and Wednesday, warning of severe storms, moderate to heavy rainfall, and hailstorms spanning from the eastern to the western parts of the state. An ‘Orange Alert’ has been declared for 60 districts, while a specific warning regarding lightning strikes has been issued for over 40 districts.

In Bihar, the districts of Aurangabad, Gaya, Rohtas, Bhojpur, Vaishali, East Champaran, Sitamarhi, and Bagaha suffered heavy damage. In Aurangabad district, three people died and five villagers were injured due to lightning strikes.

Five Deaths Reported in East Champaran District

In Gaya district, lightning strikes claimed the lives of five people across the Sherghati, Tikari, and Konch police station areas. The highest death toll—five fatalities—was recorded in East Champaran district. Crops, including mangoes and litchis, sustained heavy damage.

In many locations, power poles have fallen and wires have snapped, resulting in widespread power outages. Meanwhile, the weather in Delhi is expected to change today; the Meteorological Department has issued a warning for heavy rainfall accompanied by storms and strong winds. Aircraft Carrying Both UP Deputy Chief Ministers Caught in Storm and Rain;

Diverted to Bhopal

On Monday morning, the aircraft carrying Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Ministers Brajesh Pathak and Keshav Prasad Maurya—who were traveling from Delhi to Lucknow—was grounded due to adverse weather conditions. The flight was subsequently diverted to Bhopal. The aircraft was finally able to reach Lucknow at 12:27 PM, once the weather had cleared.

Additionally, two other aircraft were also left circling in the air. Meanwhile, poor weather in Delhi resulted in reduced visibility. Consequently, between 11:00 PM on Sunday and 3:00 AM the following morning, 15 flights were diverted to Lucknow. These aircraft landed one after another at the Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport. Once the weather improved, the flights departed for Delhi.