Monitoring Desk
NEW DELHI: Indian officials added that at least 77 people were killed and 143 others were injured after dust storms hit northern India as trees and walls were flattened by powerful winds.
The strong storm destroyed Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan states of India and the officials feared of rise in death toll. Officials confirmed that 46 people were killed in Uttar Pradesh and 31 in the desert state of Rajasthan.
T.P. Gupta of the Uttar Pradesh relief commissioner’s office said that Agra district of Uttar Pradesh was one of the most affected area, where 30 people were killed.
Reports added that the maximum victims were hit by falling walls, trees and electric pylons and houses that collapsed.
Similarly, three districts in Rajasthan, a state popular with tourists for its heritage palaces and colorful culture, were hit the hardest.
Last month, a storm killed at least 15 people in Uttar Pradesh and destroyed two ancient pillars at the entryways to the Taj Mahal.
