At least 100 people were killed after powerful storms and heavy rain swept across India’s northern state of Uttar Pradesh, causing widespread damage to homes, roads and power lines, officials said.

The worst-hit district was Prayagraj, where 21 people died. Another 18 deaths were reported in Bhadohi, 15 in Mirzapur and 10 in Fatehpur.

Six people each were killed in Unnao and Badaun, while four deaths each were reported in Pratapgarh and Bareilly. Two people each died in Sitapur, Raebareli, Chandauli, Kanpur Dehat, Hardoi and Sambhal.

Single deaths were reported in Kaushambi, Shahjahanpur, Sonbhadra and Lakhimpur.

The weather changed suddenly on Tuesday evening, with dust storms and strong winds hitting large parts of the state.

Trees and electricity poles were uprooted, roads were blocked and several vehicles were crushed by falling trees. Many houses were also damaged.

Rescue teams worked to pull trapped people from collapsed structures.

One widely shared video from Bamiyana village in Bareilly showed strong winds lifting a man along with a tin shed and throwing him into a nearby field.

The injured man, identified as Nanhe Miyan, suffered fractures to his hands and legs. He said he had been holding onto a rope when the gusts swept him and the metal sheet into the air.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed sorrow over the deaths and directed officials to provide financial assistance to affected families within 24 hours.

The state Relief Commissioner’s office said district authorities had been instructed to quickly verify the deaths, injuries and property damage and ensure prompt support for victims.

Source: NDTV