3 dead as dust storm and hailstorm batter West UP, crops suffer heavy damage

At least three people lost their lives and two others were seriously injured after a powerful dust storm accompanied by rain and hail swept across parts of Uttar Pradesh on Friday night, causing widespread destruction. According to reports, the extreme weather impacted several districts in western Uttar Pradesh, damaging homes and flattening large stretches of standing crops.

In one of the worst-hit incidents in Kasganj district, two siblings were killed when a tree branch, broken by strong winds, fell on their motorcycle as they were returning home after harvesting wheat. Two others travelling with them sustained serious injuries and were rushed for medical treatment. In a separate incident in Mathura, a man died of electrocution after his vehicle collided with a fallen electric pole during the storm.

The storm affected multiple regions including Fatehpur Sikri, Kheragarh, Kiraoli and surrounding rural belts, where high-speed winds and hail caused severe agricultural losses. According to reports, standing wheat crops were flattened, significantly affecting yield and grain quality, while vegetables such as gourds, maize, tomato and cucumber also suffered extensive damage.

Local authorities have begun assessing the extent of the destruction and facilitating compensation claims for affected farmers. According to reports, thousands of applications have already been submitted through official channels, while farmer groups have urged the government to expedite surveys and provide immediate financial relief to mitigate losses caused by the sudden weather event.