New Delhi | Updated April 11, 2025 —
A strong western disturbance system has left a devastating trail across North India, triggering unseasonal rainfall, hailstorms, and lightning strikes that killed at least 49 people on Thursday. According to official inputs, fatalities were reported from Uttar Pradesh (23), Bihar (25), and Haryana (1), even as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued fresh warnings of continued weather volatility over the next 48 hours.
The adverse weather event, which has also resulted in widespread crop damage and infrastructural strain, marks one of the most disruptive April systems in recent years.
🚨 Unseasonal Rains Bring Relief from Heat, But Trigger Widespread Damage
The sudden spell of rain brought temporary relief from sweltering heat conditions across parts of North India. However, the intensity of hailstorms and wind gusts caused massive agricultural and human losses.
The recent unseasonal weather events have raised concerns similar to those highlighted in our previous coverage on IMD’s Heatwave Alert for April 2025.INVC
In Jharkhand, four persons were injured in separate lightning incidents. Meanwhile, apple and plum crops in Himachal Pradesh suffered damage as hail pelted orchards in key districts including Shimla, Kullu, and Lahaul-Spiti.
Even as snow blanketed the higher reaches, Una recorded a searing 38.2°C, underscoring the climatic contrast across the state.
⚠️ IMD Issues Alerts for Multiple States
The IMD has issued orange and yellow alerts for several states, warning of moderate to heavy rainfall, hailstorms, lightning, and wind speeds reaching 50 kmph till April 12.
The states under warning include:
Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir
Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh
Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of Odisha and Chhattisgarh
Thunderstorm and wind alerts also extend to Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra, with likelihood of lightning strikes and localized hail in affected areas.
Farmers affected by the hailstorms might find relief through initiatives like the PM Kusum Scheme, which aims to empower farmers with sustainable solutions.
🧾 District-Wise Casualties and Govt Response
In Uttar Pradesh, lightning-related deaths were reported from Firozabad, Siddharth Nagar, Sitapur, and Varanasi. A pregnant woman was among those killed. Other fatalities were registered in Kanpur (5), Agra (2), Gorakhpur (2), Meerut (1), and Gonda (1).
In Bihar, the Chief Minister’s Office confirmed 18 deaths in Nalanda alone, followed by isolated casualties in Siwan, Katihar, Darbhanga, Begusarai, Bhagalpur, and Jehanabad. The state government has approved ₹4 lakh ex-gratia compensation for families of the deceased.
One fatality was recorded in Rewari, Haryana, after lightning struck during a hailstorm.
🌡️ Extreme Heat Grips Parts of Odisha; Offices Shift Timings
In stark contrast, parts of western Odisha are experiencing intense heatwave conditions. In Sambalpur, soaring temperatures have forced authorities to shift all state-run offices to 7 AM – 1 PM working hours (without lunch break), effective till June 15, 2025.
On Wednesday, Boudh town recorded a maximum of 42°C, as humidity levels surged across the region.
🧩 The Bigger Picture: Weather Extremes in April
The recent spell of weather disruption underscores growing concerns around climate volatility. While western disturbances are a known meteorological phenomenon, the scale of damage and fatalities this week has renewed calls for early warning systems, crop insurance support, and disaster-resilient infrastructure in vulnerable states.
Citizens are advised to avoid venturing out during alerts, and farmers have been requested to take protective measures for stored grains and orchards.
