At least 70 dead as high-intensity duststorm hits parts of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan

A high-intensity dust storm hit parts of Uttar Pradesh overnight, leaving 45 people dead and 38 injured, an official said today.

Agra district was the worst hit, accounting for 36 deaths and injuries to 35 others.

"As per figures received till noon, 45 people were killed and 38 injured in the dust storm in different parts of the state," Relief Commissioner Sanjay Kumar told PTI here.

Other districts affected were Bijnor, Bareli, Saharanpur, Pilibhit, Firozabad, Chitrakoot, Muzaffarnagar, Rae Bareli and Unnao.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officers concerned to personally monitor relief operations and provide all necessary medical facilities to the affected.

Twenty-seven people were killed and more than 100 injured as a high-intensity squall followed by thunder showers hit parts of Rajasthan overnight, an official said today.

Houses collapsed, electricity poles and trees were uprooted as the severe dust storm swept the Matysya region. 

"Till 3 am, 15 people died due to the disaster, including 8 in Bharatpur, 3 each in Dholpur and Alwar and one in Jhunjhunu. The toll is likely to rise," Secretary, Disaster Management and Relief, Hemant Kumar Gera told PTI.

A detailed report of the disaster is awaited even as relief and rescue teams have been pressed into service, he said.

Expressing grief over the calamity, Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje said authorities concerned in the districts have been directed to ensure all possible help to victims. "Condolence for families who lost their loved ones," wrote the Rajasthan chief minister on Twitter.

Congress National General Secretary Ashok Gehlot cancelled his birthday celebrations at his official residence in Jaipur in view of the calamity.

"We are extremely grieved at the loss of lives in the state and stand with the victims in this hour of tragedy. I cancel all celebrations at my residence today. Blood donation camps and Janhit programs can be continued by organisers," he said.

(With inputs from PTI)