LUCKNOW, May 24 -- A majority of the 56 deaths reported due to hailstorm in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday-Thursday night were due to collapsing structures.

Incidents of wall collapse (13 deaths), roof caving in (8 deaths), and tin sheds falling (8 deaths) were the primary causes of the casualties. Additionally, nine people died because of falling trees and electric poles, while two succumbed to falling railings and grills. Only three deaths were caused by lightning. A total of 24 districts were hit by hailstorm and heavy rain.

Walls and roofs of houses, considered a shield against the vagaries of nature, are killing people during hailstorm, a state government officer said.

District administration officers have been directed to conduct pro...