What happened during the Uttar Pradesh storm and rainfall?
Severe thunderstorms, dust storms, lightning and heavy rainfall affected multiple districts across Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday, 13 May. Strong winds uprooted trees and electricity poles, damaged residential structures and disrupted road connectivity, particularly across eastern and central parts of the state. State authorities have initiated relief and compensation measures, while emergency teams continue restoration and damage-assessment activities.
The impact has extended beyond residential areas, with transport networks, electricity infrastructure, schools and agricultural assets affected. At least 90 fatalities have been reported following storms, lightning strikes, wall collapses and rain-related incidents.
Which areas in Uttar Pradesh are most affected?
Prayagraj recorded the highest number of reported fatalities, followed by Bhadohi, Fatehpur, Badaun, Pratapgarh, Chandauli, Kushinagar and Sonbhadra. Several transport corridors have also experienced disruption, including NH-19, NH-30, the Prayagraj–Bhadohi corridor and the Prayagraj–Pratapgarh route.
For 14 May, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Bhadohi, Chandauli, Sonbhadra, Mirzapur, Fatehpur, Kaushambi, Pratapgarh, Jaunpur and Kanpur Dehat are under thunderstorm and lightning alerts, with winds expected to reach 40–60 kmph.
Additional eastern and central districts remain under adverse-weather warnings, with potential for localised waterlogging, transport disruption, power outages and tree falls.
How could the Uttar Pradesh storm and rainfall affect travel and business operations?
The weather has already disrupted several important road corridors and inter-district routes. SDRF teams are clearing debris and assisting stranded commuters, while additional emergency deployment remains on standby.
Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport and Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport remain operational, but access to the facilities has been constrained by road blockages and diversions. Travellers may therefore face delays even where flight operations continue normally.
Businesses may also experience localised power and communication disruptions following damage to electricity infrastructure. Schools have remained shut in several affected districts, while continuing weather alerts could create further operational interruptions.
What are the main business continuity risks?
The primary risks include transport delays, restricted road access, power outages, communication disruptions and damage to physical facilities. Businesses located in flood-prone or storm-affected areas may also face difficulties accessing offices, warehouses, construction sites or other operational facilities.
Damage to electricity poles and other infrastructure could result in further localised outages if unstable weather persists. Organisations with employees travelling between affected districts should also account for changing road conditions and short-notice diversions.
Critical equipment located in flood-prone facilities may be exposed to water damage, while disruptions to road connectivity could affect employee movement, deliveries and other time-sensitive operations.
How should organisations prepare for further severe weather?
Organisations should monitor IMD weather warnings and local transport information before scheduling travel or field operations. Non-essential travel should be avoided during heavy rainstorm warnings, while employees should stay away from steep slopes, watercourses and flood-prone areas.
Facilities in vulnerable locations should be assessed and critical equipment secured. Organisations should also maintain essential emergency supplies, including water, food, medicines, flashlights and mobile power sources where required.
Employees should avoid driving through flooded roads and remain cautious around live wires, damaged buildings and compromised electricity infrastructure. Companies should maintain communication with travelling employees and review contingency arrangements if transport or power disruptions intensify.
Frequently asked questions
How many fatalities have been reported in Uttar Pradesh?
At least 90 fatalities have been reported following severe storms, dust storms, lightning strikes, wall collapses and rain-related incidents. Prayagraj recorded the highest number of deaths among the affected districts.
Which areas face further thunderstorm and lightning alerts?
For 14 May, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Bhadohi, Chandauli, Sonbhadra, Mirzapur, Fatehpur, Kaushambi, Pratapgarh, Jaunpur and Kanpur Dehat are under thunderstorm and lightning alerts, with winds forecast at 40–60 kmph.
Are airports in Uttar Pradesh operational?
Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport and Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport remain operational, although ground access has been constrained by road blockages and diversions. Travellers should therefore check transport conditions before travelling to the airports.
Download the full advisory now
For the complete assessment of the Uttar Pradesh storm and rainfall, including affected areas, transport disruption, weather forecasts and recommended precautions, download the full MitKat Risk Flash.
Filed under: India-South AsiaRegional Risk Reviews
