India: More than 100 deaths from sandstorms

In the case of sandstorms in northern India, at least 116 people have been killed according to authorities. Many met it in their sleep.

India: More than 100 deaths from sandstorms

The storms of night to Thursday were one of most serious episodes of past decades: during a dust rush and subsequent thunderstorms, more than 100 people died in norrn India. At least 73 people died in state of Uttar Pradesh, as local Civil protection Agency shared. The most heavily affected in state of India, with about 200 million inhabitants, was district of Agra, where world-famous Taj Mahal building stands. 43 deaths were counted re. According to official data, at least 33 people were killed in neighbouring state of Rajasthan.

A day earlier, at least 14 people had already been killed in heavy thunderstorms in sourn state of Andhra Pradesh, when more than 41,000 flashes struck in a few hours, as authorities reported on Thursday.

The heavy sandstorms plunged wide areas into utter darkness. Most of victims were slain in ir sleep by overturning walls, trees or power poles. During summer months, many Indians sleep in open air to escape heat in houses.

Saddened by loss of lives due to dust storms in various parts of India. Condolences to bereaved families. May injured recover soon. Have asked officials to coordinate with respective state governments and work towards assisting those who have been affected: PM

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 3, 2018

Such storms rage in India every year, but se were particularly difficult. "I have not experienced such a destructive storm for at least 25 years," said Shivam Lohia, hotel owner in Alwar in north of Rajasthan, news agency AFP. Houses and trees were blown down, all people were afraid. "It was a nightmare," said Lohia, who would almost have been ripped away in his car. Meanwhile, wear service predicted furr storms.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke out his condolences to victims. According to Channel India TV, Regierungschefdes state of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, has announced that y want to compensate those affected.

Date Of Update: 04 May 2018, 12:02
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