Several killed as another dust storm hits Northern India on Sunday

More than 60 people were killed on Sunday across the country as rain, thunderstorms hit various states throwing life out of gear and leaving behind a trail of destruction. Deaths were reported from Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and Delhi-NCR. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued severe weather warnings for the next 72 hours for all regions between Kashmir and Andhra Pradesh. It has forecast that there could be light rain and thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds, although their intensity might be less. Sunday evening’s storm saw wind speeds of up to 109 kmph in the national capital region. It was followed by a strong squall. Metro and flight services were affected and the city witnessed multiple traffic jams. The Delhi Police had until 7:30pm, received as many as 189 calls reporting fallen trees, 40 calls for fallen poles, and 31 reports of fallen tin sheds or roofs, which added to the traffic woes.Sunday evening’s thunderstorm over northwest India killed 38 persons in Uttar Pradesh, injuring 50 others.

Lakhimpur Kheri saw the maximum damage with 80 houses and buildings collapsing partly or completely in the storm, followed by Sambhal where 31 buildings were damaged. A total of 117 houses were reported damaged in the storm.

Government sources revealed that the most loss of live took place in Kasganj where six persons died. Barabanki and Bareily saw five deaths each. The deaths were caused by falling trees, collapsing walls etc. In one case, a hoarding collapsed in Gautambudh Nagar, killing one while in another case, a lightning strike was being considered responsible for claiming another life.