KABUL (Pajhwok): At least 90 people were killed after a violent storm swept through India’s most populous state, Uttar Pradesh, bringing heavy rain, hail and strong winds, the state disaster management and relief office said on Thursday.
Storms are common in the northern state during the hot season from March to June, before the monsoon rains arrive.
“Adverse weather conditions” on Wednesday caused 89 deaths, Uttar Pradesh’s relief commissioner said in a post on X.
According to Reuters, 53 people were also injured, while 87 houses were damaged and 114 livestock were killed as a result of storms, rain, hail and lightning.
Television footage showed uprooted trees and billboards toppled by strong winds, some of which fell onto vehicles, while dust and debris disrupted roadside stalls and markets.
Authorities said several deaths were caused by falling trees and collapsing walls.
The chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, governed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party, has directed officials to assist affected families and distribute financial aid within 24 hours, according to officials.
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