Severe thunderstorms leave 80 dead across Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, India
Severe thunderstorms killed at least 80 people in the Indian states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in the 24 hours leading up to Friday, April 11, 2025. Most of the fatalities were caused by lightning strikes, collapsing walls, and falling trees.
Tree uprooted by thunderstorms in Bihar on Friday, April 11, 2025. Image credit: With Love Bihar
Bihar reported 58 fatalities within 24 hours to Friday, as heavy rain, strong winds, and lightning affected the region. Of these, 23 people died due to lightning strikes, while 35 deaths were caused by uprooted trees, collapsing walls, and other storm-related accidents.
Nalanda district reported the highest number of fatalities at 22. Bhojpur reported 5 deaths, Siwan reported 4, while Jamui and Gaya each reported 3. Multiple other districts reported individual fatalities. Most victims were farmers and daily wage workers who were in the fields during the storm.
The thunderstorm that striked Bihar yesterday caused widespread damage all over, especially in Nalanda.
— The Nalanda Index (@Nalanda_index) April 11, 2025
It's so devastating to see our city like this. pic.twitter.com/N2LvWoORPJ
Strong winds and heavy rains battering the region downed power lines across the region, causing power outages and causing significant infrastructural damage.
This follows an earlier incident where 25 people died due to lightning in eight districts of Bihar. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 400 000 to the next of kin of the deceased.
In Uttar Pradesh, at least 22 people died in the 24 hours leading up to Friday due to severe weather. Of these, 13 died from lightning strikes, while 9 fatalities were caused by collapsing walls, ceilings, and other storm-related accidents.
According to a government spokesperson, 11 of the 36 districts that received rain in the state reported casualties — Kanpur Dehat, Fatehpur, Firozabad, Kannauj, Sant Kabir Nagar, Sitapur, Siddharthnagar, Azamgarh, Amethi, Barabanki, and Ballia.
Village Muraura, close to Bihar Sharif, dozens of trees and electric poles have fallen. The road is still blocked. pic.twitter.com/rXyj71hkcb
— The Nalanda Index (@Nalanda_index) April 11, 2025
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 400 000 to the families of the deceased. He also directed officials to conduct a survey to assess the damage to life and crops caused by the thunderstorms and heavy rainfall.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for 10 districts on Friday, cautioning residents in North Bihar, Kosi, and Seemanchal regions to prepare for more severe weather. A yellow alert remains in effect for the rest of the state.
The forecast includes thunderstorms with lightning and strong winds, with gusts expected to reach 30–40 km/h (19–25 mph). Light rain is predicted in scattered areas. Heavy rainfall is likely in parts of West Champaran, East Champaran, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Madhubani, Supaul, Araria, Kishanganj, Purnia, and Katihar.
The Patna Meteorological Centre warned that severe weather conditions are expected to persist in Bihar until Saturday, April 12, after which storm activity may subside and temperatures may start to rise.
References:
1 Bihar Faces More Storms After Deadly 24 Hours Leave 58 Dead – Patna Press – April 11, 2025
2 Thunderstorm, Lightning Claim 80 Lives In Bihar, UP; CM Adityanath Announces Ex Gratia – abp live – April 11, 2025
Rishav is a skilled researcher specializing in extreme and severe weather reporting. He combines exceptional research capabilities with scientific precision to deliver clear, data-driven articles. Known for uncovering critical information, Rishav ensures his work is accurate, insightful, and impactful. His passion for both science and literature fuels his dedication to producing high-quality news articles. You can reach him at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
Seems quite random, can we have weather and local microclimate and geography expert explain why these districts are being hit, and if it usually the same places or not and what variability is involved.