Fierce Dust Storm Knocked out Northern India, Thunderstorm Alert before Weekend

The northern side of India, particularly Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh encountered a fierce dust storm yesterday and the death toll counts upto 125 with over 200 injured. According to today’s weather forecast thunderstorm accompanied with gusty winds are very likely.

It was something as monstrous and lethal that the residents of northern part of India haven’t seen in 20 years. A dust storm that pounced on Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan caused severe damages of lives and property.

As per sources, when the storm was at its peak several were indoors, sleeping. The weather was so violent and devastating that those lives collapsed inside.

According to the BBC reports Agra, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, where one of the wonders, Taj Mahal is located, is the worst sufferer. States of Rajasthan - Alwar, Bharatpur were afflicted by the storm.

The storm carried gusty wind and dreadful lightning that devastated about 300 power poles, trees, resulting in the cut of electricity. Dust storms in these regions are nothing unusual during summer, but with such intensity, the storm inflicted upon the states is witnessed after quite a long time.

The Indian Meteorological Department predicts more “thunderstorm accompanied with gusty winds” in the northern half and in states including Bihar, Jharkhand, East Rajasthan, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, North coastal Andhra Pradesh, South Interior Karnataka, Interior Tamilnadu and Kerala. The relief commissioner's office told AFP that people should be alert as dust storm is brewing over isolated places of West Rajasthan.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his condolences, “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.”

As declared by the UP Govt. the families who suffered death loss will receive 400,000 rupees ($6,000; £4,400) as compensation.