Ballia, India — A devastating wave of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall across multiple states in India has resulted in the deaths of at least 25 individuals, with the majority of fatalities attributed to lightning strikes. Over the past 24 hours, reports of tragic incidents have emerged from Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Delhi, Maharashtra, and Himachal Pradesh.
In Uttar Pradesh, the toll from lightning has been particularly severe. A 13-year-old girl in Ballia lost her life after being struck. Additionally, in Bijnor, two people died from lightning, while a young girl drowned in a flooded drain during the rain. Efforts are still underway to locate another missing girl from the area. In the village of Sonbarsa, a family of four was tragically killed by a lightning strike, and three individuals in Auraiya district, including a 16-year-old, also perished in related incidents.
The impact of the severe weather has not been limited to fatalities; several individuals sustained injuries while working in the fields. In Sambhal, a group of six, including a teenage girl, were struck by lightning while harvesting crops, leading to severe burns that necessitated hospitalization.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed condolences over the tragic loss of life and has instructed local officials to ensure that the injured receive adequate medical care and families affected by the disasters receive appropriate compensation.
In Gujarat, Rajkot saw one death and significant livestock losses following a sudden cloudburst that hit the region. Lightning caused panic among residents, leading to widespread waterlogging. Meanwhile, in Panchmahal district, a lightning strike ignited a fire in a residence, but fortunately, there were no reported casualties from that incident.
Delhi also faced harsh weather, with high winds toppling a 100-foot mobile phone tower in Safdarjung Enclave, although no injuries were reported. Tragically, a falling tree in RK Puram struck a power line, resulting in the electrocution of two men, identified as Ravinder and Bharat, who both worked nearby.
Maharashtra has declared a red alert in several districts as lightning has claimed the lives of at least eight people. Key areas such as Ratnagiri, Raigad, and Sindhudurg have reported some of the most severe conditions, with Ratnagiri recording the highest rainfall in the state—88.1 mm within a single day, according to state disaster management reports.
A yellow alert has also been issued in parts of Himachal Pradesh, signaling the potential for thunderstorms and strong winds between 40–60 km/h. The Indian Meteorological Department has warned residents of affected areas, which include Chamba, Kangra, and Shimla, to remain vigilant from Sunday through Wednesday as weather conditions are expected to remain unstable.
Authorities across these states are grappling with the impacts of this unusual weather pattern, which has led to tragic losses and regional disruptions. As communities begin to recover, the focus remains on ensuring safety and providing support for those who have endured these devastating events.