On Friday, an abrupt spell of fierce winds, heavy downpours and hail battered the Moradabad division of Uttar Pradesh. The extreme weather claimed the life of a 53‑year‑old e‑rickshaw driver in Sambhal, snarled traffic, knocked out electricity and left cultivators fearing severe crop loss just ahead of the paddy harvest.

E‑Rickshaw Driver Killed in Sambhal

At approximately 1:30 p.m., a mature pakad tree collapsed onto a road near Dharamshala Adda in the Asmoli police‑station area. The falling trunk struck Bholu, a 53‑year‑old e‑rickshaw operator, resulting in his death. The wreckage blocked the lane until a JCB crew arrived to clear the debris, allowing traffic to resume.

Hailstorm Pummels Bilaspur, Rampur

Violent hail accompanied by gusty winds and rain swept through Bilaspur in Rampur district. The hailstones piled up along Nainital Road, giving the surface a white, snow‑like blanket. District Agriculture Officer Kuldeep Singh Rana warned that crop losses could range from 15 % to 20 % across the district, with Bilaspur expected to bear the brunt of the damage.

Paddy Fields Flattened in Amroha

Strong winds, estimated at about 30 km/h, followed by heavy rain flattened ready‑to‑harvest paddy in several parts of Amroha district. Hail was also reported in Amroha town and the villages of Didauli, Naugawan Sadat and Kailsa. With the harvest imminent, farmers fear that lodged stalks will lower grain quality, complicate harvesting operations and cut overall yields. They have appealed for field inspections and compensation based on the eventual loss assessment.

Daytime Darkness and Power Outages in Moradabad

The storm turned the afternoon sky over Moradabad an unusual, gloomy gray, and an hour of relentless rain left water pooling on roads and fields. Downed electricity poles caused power cuts that lasted several hours in both urban and rural areas.

Other Crops at Risk

Beyond paddy, the untimely weather threatens sugarcane, millet, early‑season potatoes and a range of green vegetables. Dr. Ravindra Kumar of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Thakurdwara reported considerable damage to Basmati paddy and warned that mature crops are prone to lodging when strong winds and rain strike close to harvest.

Temperature Drop After the Storm

Following the storm, temperatures fell noticeably. Friday’s maximum dipped to 28.6 °C and the minimum to 23.5 °C, compared with the previous day’s high of 31 °C and low of 22 °C.

Officials to Assess Agricultural Damage

Deputy Director of Agriculture Ravikant announced that teams of departmental officials and insurance representatives will conduct field surveys across the affected districts. The assessments will quantify crop losses and identify farmers eligible for relief measures.

Conclusion

The sudden storm across the Moradabad division has resulted in a tragic loss of life, disrupted power and traffic, and raised serious concerns for farmers in Rampur and Amroha. With paddy nearing harvest, the combined impact of wind, rain and hail could be substantial. Authorities are moving quickly to evaluate damage and determine appropriate compensation for the affected growers.