Dust storm, heavy rain and lightning have damaged homes and killed at least 96 people in northern India
Lucknow, India — A dust storm, heavy rain and lightning damaged homes and other structures and killed at least 96 people in northern India, officials said Thursday.
The storm that hit several districts of Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state, late Wednesday night injured more than 50 people.
Officials said some deaths were caused by falling trees, collapsed structures and lightning. Police and disaster response teams used chainsaws and cranes to remove fallen trees from roads and railway tracks in several districts.
Storms are common in northern India during the hot season from March to June, before the annual monsoon rains arrive.
An administrative officer, Narendra N. Srivastava said emergency teams have been deployed in the affected areas and there has been widespread damage to homes, crops and power infrastructure, especially in rural districts.
In Prayagraj district, residents described panic as strong winds lashed neighborhoods.
Ram Kishore said, “The storm came suddenly and within a few minutes the sky became completely black.” “Tin roofs were blowing off and people were running indoors. We could hear trees falling all evening.”
In neighboring Bhadohi district, Savitri Devi said her family had a narrow escape when their mud house was damaged due to strong winds.
“When the walls started shaking due to the wind, we ran outside. After some time, our roof collapsed. We spent the night at a relative’s house,” he said.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered officials to complete relief work within 24 hours and directed officials to provide compensation and emergency assistance to the affected families.
