On Friday, the Moradabad division of Uttar Pradesh was hit by an abrupt combination of fierce winds, torrential rain and hail. The extreme weather claimed the life of a 53‑year‑old e‑rickshaw driver in Sambhal, halted traffic, knocked out electricity and sparked fears among farmers of severe crop loss just before the rice harvest.

E‑Rickshaw Driver Killed in Sambhal

At approximately 1:30 p.m., a massive pakad tree collapsed onto the road near Dharamshala Adda in the Asmoli police‑station jurisdiction. The falling trunk struck Bholu, a 53‑year‑old e‑rickshaw operator, killing him on the spot. The wreckage blocked the lane until a JCB crew arrived to remove the debris and restore traffic flow.

Hailstorm Devastates Bilaspur, Rampur

In Rampur’s Bilaspur area, a sudden hailstorm accompanied by strong gusts and rain pelted the region. Hailstones piled up on Nainital Road, giving the surface a white, snow‑like blanket. District Agriculture Officer Kuldeep Singh Rana warned that the hail could wipe out 15‑20 % of the district’s crops, with Bilaspur expected to bear the brunt of the damage.

Rice Fields Flattened in Amroha

Winds estimated at around 30 km/h, followed by heavy rain, flattened standing rice crops in several parts of Amroha district just as the harvest was about to begin. Hail was also reported in Amroha town and the villages of Didauli, Naugawan Sadat and Kailsa. With the season at a critical stage, farmers fear that lodged stalks will reduce grain quality, complicate harvesting and cut overall yields. They are urging authorities to conduct field inspections and provide 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 shade, and an hour of relentless rain left water pooling on roads and fields. Downed electricity poles caused outages that lasted several hours in both urban and rural zones.

Other Crops Under Threat

Beyond rice, the untimely weather jeopardizes sugarcane, millet, early‑season potatoes and a variety of green vegetables. Dr. Ravindra Kumar of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Thakurdwara reported significant damage to Basmati rice and cautioned that mature crops are especially vulnerable to lodging when strong winds and rain arrive close to harvest.

Temperature Dip After the Storm

Following the squall, temperatures fell noticeably. The day’s high dropped to 28.6 °C with a low of 23.5 °C, compared with the previous day’s 31 °C high and 22 °C low.

Authorities to Evaluate Agricultural Losses

Deputy Director of Agriculture Ravikant announced that teams comprising departmental officials and insurance agents will carry out field surveys across the affected districts. The mission is to quantify crop losses and identify farmers eligible for relief measures.

Conclusion

The sudden storm that battered the Moradabad division resulted in a tragic death, disrupted power and traffic, and raised serious concerns for growers in Rampur and Amroha. With rice nearing harvest, the combined impact of wind, rain and hail could be substantial. Authorities are moving quickly to assess damage and determine appropriate compensation for the affected farming community.