Dust Storm Leaves Many Dead in Rajasthan, UP

Bhubaneswar: While most Indian states are experiencing stormy weather, including thundershowers and lightning, the worst affected have been Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.

At least 45 were found dead after a storm swept across four districts of UP on Wednesday night. As per reports, around 36 people were killed in Agra, three in Bijnore, two in Saharanpur, and one in Bareilly. Trees were uprooted and walls collapsed in the thunder-squall.

Something very similar was witnessed in eastern Rajasthan last night, where the death toll reached 27 and dozens were injured when roofs collapsed while people were sleeping. An official reported that 40 mud huts went up in flames after being struck by lightning in Dholpur district while electric poles were damaged in Alwar, 164 km away from Delhi. Bharatpur district alone reported 12 deaths.

This dust storm has been declared a disaster under the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) norms and monetary relief will be provided to the dead and injured. “We will give 4 lakhs to the dead and Rs 4,300 to those injured,” said Disaster Management and Relief secretary Hemant Gera.

The loss in Uttar Pradesh is being assessed so relief to all families of the dead and injured can be provided. On the direction of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, relief and rescue operations are on, sources said.

Some disruptions in weather conditions were also been reported in Uttrakhand and Delhi. Due to bad weather in the Capital of India, 15 flights were diverted last evening.