New Delhi: A punishing dust storm, which turned into thunderstorms overnight, has left 94 dead across north India, according to a report submitted to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, amid scenes of collapsed structures and uprooted infrastructure.
Uttar Pradesh endured the fiercest assault, with 64 fatalities and 47 people wounded, Relief Commissioner Sanjay Kumar told to PTI from Lucknow.
Agra district was the worst hit with 43 killed and 35 injured, while the storm ravaged Bijnor, Bareilly, Saharanpur, Pilibhit, Firozabad, Chitrakoot, Muzaffarnagar, Rae Bareli and Unnao, destroying homes, snapping trees, toppling electric poles and plunging large areas into darkness.
Rajasthan counted 32 losses with Dholpur, Alwar and Bharatpur facing severe fallout from the high winds and rains. Relief and rescue operations are in fu
ll swing to clear wreckage and revive power grids, Disaster Management Secretary Hemant Kumar Gera updated PTI in Jaipur.
District administrations have received contingency funds, earmarking Rs 4 lakh for each family of the deceased, Rs 2 lakh for victims with 60% injuries, besides Rs 60,000 for those with 40-50% disabilities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was saddened by the loss of lives and that he has asked officials to coordinate with the respective state governments and assist those who have been affected.
“Saddened by the loss of lives due to dust storms in various parts of India. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. Have asked officials to coordinate with the respective state governments and work towards assisting those who have been affected,” PM Modi said in a post on X.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje echoed the sorrow on X, ordering district heads to extend every possible aid: “Condolence for families who lost their loved ones.”
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has instructed officials to lead relief drives on the ground, guarantee comprehensive medical support, and deliver aid to the needy with absolute urgency and no tolerance for shortcomings.