KKN Gurugram Desk | Several states across northern India witnessed severe thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, hailstorms, and lightning on Sunday, significantly impacting daily life and agriculture. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), this unstable weather pattern is expected to persist for the next 48 hours, with an orange alert issued for several regions.

Tragically, at least four deaths have been reported due to lightning strikes and a cloudburst incident in Himachal Pradesh. Meanwhile, cities like Mussoorie, Chamba, and districts in Uttar Pradesh experienced flooding, damage to crops, and public safety concerns.

Lightning Kills Three in Uttar Pradesh

Parts of eastern Uttar Pradesh were hit hard by lightning strikes amid a sudden weather change on Sunday afternoon. Gusty winds followed by thunderstorms were reported across Varanasi, Mirzapur, Azamgarh, and Jaunpur divisions.

• In Jaunpur, a woman died after being struck by lightning, while two others were injured.

• Sonbhadra district also reported one fatality and one severe injury from lightning.

• Another woman lost her life in Chandauli after a similar incident.

The affected areas witnessed hailstorms and rain that disrupted local markets and field operations, particularly in Bareilly and Shahjahanpur, where hail damage to crops was reported.

Cloudburst in Chamba, Himachal Pradesh Kills Shepherd

In Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, a devastating cloudburst occurred late Saturday night in Dondra Nala near Cheli village, resulting in the death of a 65-year-old shepherd, identified as Amro, son of Feenu Ram. The incident also led to the death of over 100 sheep and goats, washed away by the flash floods.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed deep sorrow over the loss and extended condolences to the bereaved family. The search and recovery team found the shepherd’s body early Sunday morning.

Panic in Mussoorie as Camptee Fall Water Level Rises

In Mussoorie, heavy rainfall caused the water level of the popular tourist spot Camptee Fall to rise rapidly, triggering panic among shopkeepers and tourists. The sudden surge prompted local authorities to suspend access to the waterfall as a precautionary measure.

According to Camptee Police Station Officer Sanjay Mishra, a landslide near the waterfall further complicated the situation, but the debris was cleared using a JCB to resume movement. Law enforcement remains on alert as the IMD has forecast more intense rainfall and hail activity in the region.

Widespread Thunderstorms Across Uttarakhand

Sunday witnessed a sharp dip in temperatures across most parts of Uttarakhand due to cloud cover and rain. Post-noon, areas including Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Tehri, Pauri, and Uttarkashi saw thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds and lightning, prompting concern among pilgrims and local residents.

The sudden drop in temperature also affected the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit, with pilgrims advised to take caution. The meteorological department has issued a weather advisory for the coming days, urging travelers and residents to remain vigilant.

Punjab Farmers Worried as Hailstorm Damages Wheat Crops

In Punjab, farmers are grappling with another crisis as hailstorms and rainfall struck parts of the state during the critical wheat harvesting period. Districts such as Ludhiana, Jalandhar, and Patiala saw heavy winds and precipitation.

The timing has raised serious concerns:

• Harvested wheat left in open fields or at procurement centers has been damaged.

• Lifting operations in mandis have slowed due to wet grain, causing operational bottlenecks.

• Both farmers and grain traders (Arhtiyas) have demanded immediate intervention from state authorities for crop loss compensation and infrastructure protection.

IMD Issues Orange Alert for Next 48 Hours

The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for several north Indian states, including Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana, warning of:

• Strong winds (up to 50–60 km/h)

• Isolated hailstorm events

• Intense lightning strikes

• Localized flooding in hill districts

Officials have advised district administrations to stay on high alert and to ensure timely warnings reach residents in vulnerable zones. Relief forces and disaster response teams have been kept on standby.

Impact on Agriculture and Infrastructure

The current spell of unseasonal weather is expected to:

• Delay Rabi crop processing and procurement

• Disrupt transport and rural connectivity

• Increase the risk of landslides in hill states

• Damage perishable produce in mandis

Experts warn that a prolonged wet spell can trigger fungal infections in stored crops, while in hilly areas, loose soil increases the chances of slope failure and landslides.

Government Response and Relief Measures

State governments of Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab have taken cognizance of the situation. Preliminary assessments for ex-gratia relief are underway. Local meteorological units are working with district authorities to update real-time alerts through SMS and media channels.

Authorities in Mussoorie and Dehradun have asked tourists to avoid risky zones and high-altitude trails until further notice.

The extreme weather events across North India on May 5, 2025, underscore the growing impact of climate volatility. From lightning deaths in Uttar Pradesh to a tragic cloudburst in Himachal, and agricultural loss in Punjab, the disruption spans human life, economy, and nature.