Russian President Vladimir Putin Condoles Storm Tragedy In Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh: Russian President Vladimir Putin has reached out to the Indian leadership to express his deepest condolences following the devastating cyclone and severe storms that have torn through Uttar Pradesh.

The message, addressed to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, comes as the death toll from the natural disaster continues to rise, with official reports confirming at least 104 fatalities across the state.

At least 100 people died and dozens were injured after violent dust storms, lightning, and torrential rain swept across multiple districts of Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday evening. The extreme weather flattened homes, uprooted trees, damaged infrastructure, and triggered chaos across nearly 20 districts.

Prayagraj emerged as the worst-hit district with 21 fatalities. Deaths were also reported from Sitapur, Raebareli, Chandauli, Kanpur Dehat, Hardoi, and Sambhal with two deaths each, while Kaushambi, Shahjahanpur, Sonbhadra, and Lakhimpur reported one death each.

The storm brought blinding dust clouds and powerful winds strong enough to tear apart hoardings, carry away tin sheds, and uproot massive trees, crushing vehicles beneath them. In several villages, rescue teams and locals dug through collapsed houses with their bare hands to save those trapped under the debris.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed condolences over the loss of lives and reviewed relief measures following the devastation. The Chief Minister has directed district magistrates to ensure financial assistance is disbursed to victims’ families within 24 hours.

The chief minister has taken cognisance of the deaths and injuries, livestock losses, and damages to houses due to unseasonal rain and thunderstorms across the state.

Divisional commissioners and district magistrates have been asked to be sensitive while verifying incidents and ensure that financial assistance reaches the affected families within 24 hours, said the Uttar Pradesh government. The chief minister has also sought updates on storm and rain related damages from all districts every three hours.

The Chief Minister’s office has mandated that officials visit affected sites immediately to assess crop and livestock loss. “The administration must work with full sensitivity to ensure that relief reaches the affected families without delay,” said the UP government.

The scale of devastation drew international attention, with Vladimir Putin expressing condolences to the affected families.

The India Meteorological Department has cautioned that while the peak of the storm has passed, residents should remain alert as localised weather disturbances may continue over the next 48 hours.