India, May 15 -- At least 111 people died and 72 were injured in 26 districts after hailstorm, heavy rain and lightning wreaked havoc across the state between Wednesday and Thursday morning, according to Uttar Pradesh relief commissioner Hrishikesh Bhaskar Yashod.

Chief minister Yogi Adityanath has taken cognisance of the damage caused by storm, rain, and lightning in Uttar Pradesh. He directed officials to accelerate relief operations, restore power supply and ensure compensation to affected families.

Officials said the high death toll resulted from a lethal combination of extremely high wind speeds, fragile infrastructure, lightning exposure and the timing of the weather event.

Strong winds with velocities ranging from 74 to 130 kmph...