Rain and Dust Storm in Northern India Update: Another Dust Storm Likely to Hit Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh in Next 48 Hours

New Delhi, May 4: Over 100 people have been killed and scores have been injured in fierce dust storms that hit the northern parts of India especially in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan on Thursday. Reports inform that many were killed after houses collapsed after being struck by intense bursts of lightning. According to a PTI report, another dust storm may hit parts of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan in the next 48 hours due to cyclonic circulation formation in the region, a MeT official said.

The MET department issued the warning even as the two north Indian states were reeling under the impact of a severe overnight dust storm that killed nearly 100 people and left a trail of destruction. "There is a high probability that winds will intensify in the next 48 hours in Rajasthan, which may lead to another dust storm. It will affect areas of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan border, especially Karauli and Dholpur," Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) scientist Himanshu Sharma told PTI.

In Rajasthan:

A powerful dust storm on Thursday hit Rajasthan and killed over 27 people across the state. Reports inform that eastern part of Rajasthan, like Alwar, Dholpur and Bharatpur districts, were the worst-affected. The storms on Wednesday disrupted electricity, uprooted trees, destroyed houses and killed livestock. According to reports, authorities fear that the number of people who have died may go up.

In wake of the alarming situation in the state, Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje asked officers in the affected districts to provide help to the injured. Vasundhara Raje took to Twitter and said, "Distressed after storm in Alwar, Bharatpur and Dholpur. I have asked the concerned district authorities to ensure every possible help to treat all the injured. My condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives”.

In Uttar Pradesh:

The dust storm left at least 73 people dead in Uttar Pradesh while more than 91 people have been injured. The storms also caused damage to private and public property, as many houses were left battered and trees uprooted. According to a report by Business Standard, about 105 domesticated animals have been killed due to the powerful dust storm. In Uttar Pradesh, Agra, Bijnor, Bareli, Saharanpur, Pilibhit, Firozabad, Chitrakoot, Muzaffarnagar, Rae Bareli and Unnao among the worst affected. As per reports, Agra district was the worst hit, accounting for 43 deaths and injuries to 35 others.

In wake of the damage caused due to the dust storm, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday, announced a compensation of up to Rs 400,000 to the next of kin of the deceased in the state. The ones who have been injured will receive Rs 50,000 each. The Chief Minister has directed officers concerned to personally monitor relief operations and provide all necessary medical facilities to the affected. He also said that no laxity will be tolerated in providing succour to the needy.

In Telangana:

At least five people were killed after heavy rain accompanied by strong wind and hail caused havoc in several parts of Telangana on Thursday. Normal life was crippled in the state as road transport disrupted due to fall of trees on arterial roads. Reports by TOI inform that a man died after a portion of his house collapsed in Warangal, while two people were killed n Nalgonda and one each in Rangareddy and Warangal in rain related incidents.

In wake of the havoc caused by dust storm across the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken note of the tragedy and asked the centre to help the state. "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," the Prime Minister's Office tweeted quoting Modi.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 04, 2018 09:48 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).