Agra/Lucknow, May 18 — As intense thunderstorms swept across Uttar Pradesh on Saturday, a dramatic incident unfolded in Agra where the Peepapul bridge over the Chambal River collapsed in two parts during high winds. A wedding procession was crossing the bridge at the time. The groom and wedding guests narrowly escaped unhurt, abandoning their vehicles and rushing to safety along the riverbank.
Fortunately, no injuries or vehicle losses were reported in the incident.
High Winds Disrupt NCR and Other Cities
In Noida and Greater Noida, gusts reaching 50 km/h uprooted trees, toppled utility poles, and damaged infrastructure. At DM Chowk, a traffic signal collapsed onto a moving vehicle, though no casualties were reported. Multiple areas witnessed damage to tin sheds and hoardings.
Elsewhere in the state, Mathura saw a sudden downpour, providing some relief from the sweltering heat. Rain and strong winds also changed the weather conditions significantly in Firozabad and Fatehpur Sikri.
Earlier in the day, Ayodhya, Barabanki, and Balrampur recorded heavy rainfall with powerful gusts. Lucknow experienced light rain as well, marking a shift in weather patterns across central and eastern UP.
Rain, Storm, and Heatwave Alerts in Effect
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a rainfall alert for 14 districts of eastern Uttar Pradesh for Sunday. The advisory warns of thunderstorms with wind speeds of 40–50 km/h in the region.
Meanwhile, 18 cities in western UP remain under a heatwave alert. The Yogi Adityanath government has released a public advisory urging citizens to avoid outdoor activities between 12 PM and 4 PM, and to stay covered and hydrated if stepping out.
Advisory Highlights:
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14 districts in Purvanchal expected to receive rainfall on Sunday.
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Dust storms and gusty winds forecasted across UP until May 23.
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Heatwave conditions to persist in West UP, prompting health and safety advisories.
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, especially in areas vulnerable to infrastructure damage and heat-related illnesses.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
