Uttar Pradesh Congress State president Ajay Rai. File.
| Photo Credit: ANI
Amid the Uttar Pradesh Government’s directive for Ministers in charge of all districts to meet with affected families impacted by heavy rainfall and storms and assess the situation on the ground, the Opposition Congress on Friday (May 15, 2026) demanded intervention on a war footing.They added that the Union Government had failed to react appropriately to the crisis, especially at a time when even Russian President Vladimir Putin conveyed condolences to India following the deaths of 111 people and widespread destruction across several districts in Uttar Pradesh.“I failed to find any measures by the Union Government to support the state in the time of crisis. At least 111 deaths are a huge number by any yardstick. No official statement has come from top functionaries at the centre. The magnitude of crisis can be realised through the statement by the Russian president who offered condolences, this shows insensitivity and lack of concern by Union government functionaries towards common people of U.P.,” said Ajay Rai, U.P. Congress president.On May 14, President of Russia Vladimir Putin expressed condolences to President of India Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi. “Please accept my deepest condolences over the heavy loss of life and large-scale destruction caused by the cyclone in Uttar Pradesh. Please convey my words of sympathy and support to the families and loved ones of those who perished, as well as wishes for a speedy recovery to all those injured as a result of this natural disaster,” reads a message from Mr. Putin.The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Russia on X added, “President Putin sent a message of condolences to President of India @rashtrapatibhvn & Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Please accept my deepest condolences over the heavy loss of life & large-scale destruction caused by the cyclone in Uttar Pradesh.”The Uttar Pradesh government directed Ministers in charge of all districts to meet affected families impacted by heavy rainfall and assess the situation on the ground. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed officials to provide immediate financial assistance of ₹4 lakh to the families of those who lost their lives in the disaster.“Amid loss of life and crop damage caused by storms, heavy rainfall and lightning in Uttar Pradesh, the Yogi government has decided to provide major relief to affected families, showing sensitivity and promptness in this difficult time,” he added.“Along with this, strict instructions have also been issued to the administration to ensure speedy relief for farmers, livestock owners and other affected families. Compensation has also been fixed for crop losses and livestock damage,” reads an official statement.At least 111 people were killed after a powerful storm accompanied by heavy rain pounded several districts of Uttar Pradesh, uprooting trees and electric poles and damaging houses on May 13, according to the state Relief Commissioner’s office. Multiple videos of thunderstorms go viral on social media, showing heavy destruction. Published - May 16, 2026 04:50 am IST
