A powerful storm accompanied by strong winds and rain wreaked havoc in Sultanpur, leaving at least seven people dead and 21 others injured, officials said on Thursday.
According to district authorities, the sudden storm struck on Wednesday afternoon, catching residents off guard as weather conditions changed rapidly within minutes. The fatalities included two children and an elderly person, highlighting the severity of the impact across different areas of the district.
Most of the deaths were reported due to falling trees, collapsing structures, lightning strikes, and electric poles being uprooted by strong winds. In one tragic incident, a man died after a pole fell on him, while others were killed in separate storm-related accidents across the district.
The storm also left at least 21 people injured, many of whom are currently undergoing treatment at the district hospital. Officials confirmed that medical teams have been deployed and emergency services were activated immediately after the disaster.
Apart from the human toll, the storm caused widespread infrastructural damage. Over 50 electricity transformers and several power poles were damaged, leading to a major disruption in power supply across multiple areas. Authorities said restoration work is underway, but it may take time to fully normalize electricity services.
The strong winds also damaged houses, uprooted trees, and affected road connectivity in parts of the district. In some areas, debris blocked roads, slowing down rescue and relief operations. Officials have begun clearing affected routes and assessing property damage.
District administration teams, along with disaster response units, have been deployed to provide relief and ensure safety. Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious as weather fluctuations continue in parts of Uttar Pradesh.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has already issued alerts for thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds in several districts of the state over the coming days, warning of similar weather conditions.
The incident once again underlines the increasing intensity of sudden weather events, raising concerns about preparedness and infrastructure resilience in vulnerable regions.
