Dust storm deaths LIVE UPDATES: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed the officers to personally monitor the relief work and provide medical aid to the affected people.
At least 72 people have been killed and more than 130 injured in the deadly dust storm which hit several parts of western and northern India on Wednesday. While as many as 45 people have died and at least 38 injured in different parts of Uttar Pradesh, the toll in Rajasthan due to high-intensity squall and thundershowers has gone up to 27 till now. Nearly 100 have been injured in Rajasthan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Karnataka today, also expressed his condolences over the loss of lives.
Rajasthan: 27 killed, several injured as dust storm, thunder showers wreak havoc.
Highlights
“So far, 27 people have died due to the disaster, including 12 in Bharatpur, 10 in Dholpur and 5 in Alwar. The squall was reported mainly in three districts,” Secretary, Disaster Management and Relief, Hemant Kumar Gera was quoted as saying by PTI. He added that contigency funds have been released to the respective district administration.
Taking a dig at CM Yogi Adityanath, who is scheduled to be in Karnataka today to campaign for the BJP, Congress leader Randeep Surjewala said the UP CM was busy electioneering elsewhere when a dust storm has killed so many people in his state.
While in Rajasthan, Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje expressed her condolences to the families affected and directed authorities to extend aid to the victims. The government has announced compensation of Rs 4 lakh for the family members of the deceased, Rs 2 lakh to those with 60 per cent injuries and Rs 60,000 to people with 40 to 50 per cent injuries. Several houses and electricity polls collapsed and trees were uprooted in the Matysya region.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officers to personally monitor the relief work and provide medical aid to the affected people. Adityanath has also warned the officers that no laxity will be tolerated in the case.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Karnataka today, also expressed his condolences over the loss of lives. '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,' he tweeted.
Welcome to our LIVE blog. At least 72 people have been killed and more than 130 injured in the deadly dust storm which hit several parts of western and northern India on Wednesday. Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan have been badly affected. Follow to get the latest updates.