Over 100 killed as high-intensity dust storm hits Uttar Pradesh

A high-intensity dust storm hit parts of Uttar Pradesh overnight, leaving over 100 dead an official said today. Agra district was the worst hit, accounting for 36 deaths and injuries to 35 others.

"According to figures received till noon, 45 people were killed and 38 injured in the dust storm in different parts of the state," Relief Commissioner Sanjay Kumar told PTI here.

Other districts affected were Bijnor, Bareli, Saharanpur, Pilibhit, Firozabad, Chitrakoot, Muzaffarnagar, Rae Bareli and Unnao. Three persons died in Bijnor, two in Saharanpur and one each in Bareilly, Chitrakoot, Raebareli and Unnao districts, he said.

Taking note of the havoc caused by the dust storm, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officers concerned to personally monitor relief operations and provide all necessary medical facilities to the affected. He also said no laxity would be tolerated in providing succour to the needy.

"Chief Secretary Rajive Kumar has spoken to the Commissioner Agra division and directed him that relief be distributed by evening and senior officers visit the injured in hospitals," Principal Secretary, Information, Avanish Awasthi said. A number of houses collapsed and electricity poles and trees were uprooted as the severe dust storm swept Agra division.

"We have sought a detailed report from the affected districts," the Relief Commissioner said, adding that 156 cattleheads also perished in the calamity.

PTI