A day after 90 people lost their lives in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan due to dust storm, an official of MeT has said that both the northern states are likely to be hit by another dust storm in the next 48 hours due to cyclonic circulation formation in the region.
“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.
According to the warning of the meteorological department, dust storm, rainfall or thunderstorm may occur at areas like Bikaner, Alwar, Bharatpur, Dholpur, Karauli, Jhunjhunu, Swai Madhopur, Sikar, Sriganganagar and Jaisalmer districts.
Also Read: Storm kills at least 90, leaves over 130 injured in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh
At least 27 people were dead and over 100 injured as a high-intensity squall followed by thundershowers and duststorm hit Alwar, Bharatpur, Dholpur and Jaipur districts of north-eastern Rajasthan on Wednesday evening.
The storm also ravaged parts of western Uttar Pradesh. According to an official, 64 people lost their lives and 30 people were injured as the squall hit the region last night.
In Rajasthan, houses were damaged, trees uprooted and vehicles destroyed as strong winds lashed the region. The weather changed suddenly, taking the people by surprise. Some of the people were reportedly inside their homes when the roofs of the houses collapsed, killing the inhabitants.
According to reports, lightning struck 40 mud huts in a village in Dholpur district. People in Alwar had to spend the night without electricity as trees uprooted by the storm damaged electric poles.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje expressed condolences for the deceased and said that her government has directed officials to provide all help to the affected and ensure quick restoration of necessary utilities.
President Ram Nath Kovind also expressed grief over the incident and tweeted, “Saddened to hear about loss of lives due to thunderstorms and heavy rainfall in Rajasthan, UP, Punjab and other parts of north India.”
Saddened to hear about loss of lives due to thunderstorms and heavy rainfall in Rajasthan, UP, Punjab and other parts of north India. Authorities taking steps to help affected people. Condolences to bereaved families and wishing an early recovery to injured #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) May 3, 2018
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief and said that he has asked officials to coordinate relief efforts with the respective state governments.
“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,” read a tweet from the official Twitter handle of the Prime Minister’s Office.
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
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 3, 2018