Over 100 People Killed After Massive Hailstorm and Heavy Rain Turns Deadly

A terrifying storm tore through northern India this week, killing at least 111 people and leaving dozens more injured after violent winds, massive hail, lightning strikes and torrential rain slammed into the country’s most populous state.

The deadly weather disaster hit the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday, ripping through neighborhoods, knocking down trees and power lines, and crushing homes and vehicles in scenes survivors described as pure chaos.

Officials said the storm swept across at least five districts, causing widespread destruction and making rescue operations difficult after mobile phone networks went down in several areas.

Authorities initially reported 89 deaths, but the toll later climbed to 111 as emergency crews continued searching damaged villages and collapsed homes. More than 50 people were also injured.

Many of the victims were killed when massive trees toppled over or walls from mud and brick homes collapsed during the storm.

Emergency teams were rushed into the hardest-hit areas as officials warned that entire rural communities suffered devastating damage to homes, crops and electrical infrastructure.

Residents described terrifying moments as the sky suddenly turned black and hurricane-like winds ripped through villages with almost no warning.

“The storm came suddenly and the sky turned completely dark within minutes,” one resident told reporters. “Tin roofs were flying and people ran indoors. We could hear trees falling throughout the evening.”

The district of Bhadohi was among the hardest hit, where at least 16 people died and several others were seriously hurt.

One woman said her family barely escaped alive after violent winds caused their mud house to shake before the roof suddenly collapsed.

“We rushed outside when the walls started shaking because of the wind,” she said. “Our roof collapsed moments later.”

In another heartbreaking tragedy, two young girls — 10-year-old Mausami and 9-year-old Rajni — were killed after the mud wall of a hut collapsed on them while they were trying to shelter from the storm.

Elsewhere, a truck driver was killed when a massive eucalyptus tree crashed onto his vehicle, while a 22-year-old man died after a falling tree struck him as he was delivering food to his father.

Another victim reportedly stopped beneath a tree hoping to escape the storm, only for the tree to collapse and kill him.

The destruction was so severe that Indian officials ordered emergency crews to complete relief operations within 24 hours. Compensation for victims and damage surveys are also underway.

The disaster drew condolences from world leaders, including Vladimir Putin, who sent a message expressing sympathy to the families of the victims and wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

The storm hit during what is normally one of the hottest periods of the year in India. Officials said hailstorms this intense are unusual in mid-May, when temperatures in the region often soar above 100 degrees Fahrenheit and monsoon season is still weeks away.

India has already been battling an extreme heatwave this year, with the country recently accounting for all 50 of the hottest cities on Earth in a single day.