Bridge collapse, lightning strikes, storms: Severe weather kills 28 across four states
Lucknow: Severe weather conditions across large parts of northern and eastern India have claimed at least 28 lives in the last two days, with heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning strikes and strong winds causing widespread destruction across multiple states.
The fatalities were reported from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh, while several other states also witnessed intense weather activity that disrupted normal life.
Uttar Pradesh worst hit as bridge collapse kills six
Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of casualties, with 11 deaths reported from different districts.
The most tragic incident occurred in Hamirpur district, where six people died after a portion of an under-construction bridge over the Betwa River collapsed during a powerful storm early Friday morning.
The victims included four labourers and two security guards working on the structure. Rescue teams from the State Disaster Response Force managed to save three workers trapped at the site.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed condolences and announced ₹5 lakh compensation for the families of those killed and ₹50,000 for the injured.
Family of three killed in Kaushambi
In Kaushambi district, a severe storm uprooted a tree that crashed onto a mud house, killing a woman and her two young sons.
The victims were identified as Maya Devi and her children Ankush and Anubhav. Another child sustained injuries in the incident.
Storm devastation in Jalaun
Jalaun district also witnessed extensive damage as strong winds, rain and lightning claimed two lives and injured at least seven others. Authorities reported the deaths of 23 animals and damage to dozens of houses. Compensation has been announced for the affected families.
Seven dead in West Bengal
West Bengal recorded seven fatalities as thunderstorms and lightning swept across several districts, including Kolkata, North and South 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly, West Midnapore and Purulia.
Most deaths were linked to lightning strikes, wall collapses and electrocution incidents.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced ₹4 lakh compensation for the families of the deceased and assured treatment support for the injured.
Bihar reports multiple lightning deaths
In Bihar, seven people lost their lives due to lightning strikes within 24 hours.
The deaths were reported from Aurangabad, Gaya, Saran and Khagaria districts.
Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary directed officials to provide ex gratia assistance of ₹4 lakh to the families of those killed.
Heavy rain leaves trail of destruction in Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh reported three deaths as torrential rainfall affected more than a dozen districts.
One woman died after being struck by lightning, while two others lost their lives in separate incidents involving house collapses triggered by heavy rain.
Several people were also injured as roofs and walls gave way under the impact of the downpour.
More weather warnings issued
State-wise death toll
- Uttar Pradesh: 11 deaths
- West Bengal: 7 deaths
- Bihar: 7 deaths
- Madhya Pradesh: 3 deaths
Apart from the four worst-affected states, heavy rain and thunderstorms were also reported from parts of Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and Jharkhand.
While the rainfall brought relief from intense summer heat, it also caused disruptions to transport, power supply and daily activities in several regions.
The India Meteorological Department has warned that adverse weather conditions may continue in parts of northern and eastern India, urging residents to remain cautious during thunderstorms and lightning activity.