Dust storm leaves 3 dead and damages crops in western Uttar Pradesh, India
A powerful dust storm accompanied by strong winds, rain, and hail struck western Uttar Pradesh, India on the night of April 3, 2026, leaving at least three people dead and two injured. The storm caused extensive damage to standing and harvested crops across multiple districts, with authorities reporting widespread agricultural losses and structural damage.
Damaged crops of farmers in the villages of Chaumuhan and Pasauoli under Chhata tehsil. Credit: DM Mathura
A dust storm accompanied by high-velocity winds, rainfall, and hail impacted multiple districts in western Uttar Pradesh during the late hours of April 3, resulting in fatalities, injuries, and widespread agricultural damage.
Two fatalities were reported in Kasganj district when a jackfruit tree branch, broken by strong winds, fell onto a motorcycle carrying four siblings near Nawada at approximately 22:45 LT on April 3.
The group was returning home after harvesting wheat. Sanjeev and Aarti died at the scene, while Sandhya and Shivsagar sustained serious injuries and were referred to a medical facility in Aligarh.
A separate fatality occurred in Mathura district, where a 43-year-old man died due to electrocution after his vehicle collided with an electric pole brought down by storm conditions in the Surir area.
The severe weather event affected several regions, including Fatehpur Sikri, Kagarol, Fatehabad, Akola, Bichpuri, Kheragarh, Iradatnagar, and Kiraoli, where strong winds and hail caused structural damage and crop losses.
Agra District Magistrate Aravind Mallapa Bangari identified Kiraoli as the worst-affected administrative area and stated that damage assessments are underway, with compensation to be ensured.
Additional impacts were reported in Mathura district, including Naujheel, Kosi Kalan, Baldeo, and Barsana, where agricultural damage was observed across multiple crop types.
Assessments by experts from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Bichpuri indicate that high-speed winds caused lodging in standing wheat crops, reducing yield potential and affecting grain quality. Hail damage was also reported in vegetable crops, including okra, bottle gourd, ridge gourd, maize, pumpkin, cucumber, and tomato.
Authorities reported that more than 10 000 applications for crop damage compensation have been submitted through the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima App and the toll-free number 14447. Officials stated that verification and compensation processes are ongoing.
Farmer representatives and local leaders have called for expedited surveys and timely financial assistance to mitigate economic losses resulting from the event.
References:
1 3 dead as dust storm hits West UP; crops suffer heavy damage – Times of India – April 6, 2026
I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.
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