Storms and Lightning Claim 22 Lives in Uttar Pradesh; CM Yogi Announces Compensation

Lucknow, April 11 Severe thunderstorms and lightning strikes wreaked havoc across Uttar Pradesh on Thursday, resulting in the tragic deaths of 22 people and significant damage to property and livestock. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and directed immediate distribution of compensation to the affected families.

Financial Aid Ordered for Victims’ Families

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced an ex-gratia of ₹4 lakh each for the families of the deceased and instructed officials to ensure swift disbursement. He also extended his condolences to the bereaved families and directed that the injured receive prompt and adequate medical care.

In addition, he called for immediate relief and compensation for affected individuals who suffered livestock and property losses due to the storms and lightning.

Widespread Damage Across Multiple Districts

According to data released by the State Relief Commissioner’s Office, the severe weather affected multiple districts. Lightning strikes caused fatalities in Fatehpur and Azamgarh (3 deaths each), Firozabad, Kanpur Dehat, and Sitapur (2 each), and one death each in Ghazipur, Gonda, Amethi, Sant Kabir Nagar, and Siddharthnagar. Storm-related deaths were reported from Ballia, Kannauj, Barabanki, Jaunpur, and Unnao (1 each).

The disaster also caused the death of 45 animals and damaged 15 homes. The highest livestock loss was reported in Ghazipur (17), followed by Chandauli (6), Ballia (5), and other districts such as Ambedkar Nagar, Balrampur, and Gonda (3 each). Fatal livestock losses were also recorded in Sultanpur (2), and Amethi, Kannauj, and Gorakhpur (1 each).

Compensation for Livestock and Property Losses

The government outlined compensation rates for livestock loss:

• ₹37,500 for large milch animals

• ₹4,000 for small milch animals

• ₹32,000 for large non-milch animals

• ₹20,000 for small non-milch animals

House damage was reported in several districts including Ghazipur, Sultanpur, Lakhimpur Kheri (2 homes each), and one house each in Ballia, Gonda, Barabanki, Ambedkar Nagar, Gorakhpur, Auraiya, Hardoi, Lucknow, and Mau.

Authorities are on high alert as weather instability continues, and further advisories are expected if conditions persist.