Thunderstorms, dust storms kill 41 in India

At least 41 people were killed on Sunday in Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and Delhi after dust storms and thunderstorms wreaked havoc in multiple parts across India, the Indian Express reported today.

High-velocity winds coupled with rain and lightning uprooted trees and disrupted rail and flight services and brought traffic to a standstill.

Eighteen people were killed in Uttar Pradesh, while 12 died in West Bengal and nine in Andhra Pradesh, PTI reported. Three deaths were also reported from the national capital.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the rain accompanied by strong winds will continue for the next 72 hours across the country, though the intensity might not be as strong.

“There is a circulation of a western disturbance in northwest India. We had forecast that the weather will be adverse for two-three days. This thunderstorm will continue for the next 48-72 hours,” said Charan Singh, Scientist, IMD, on the weather change in Delhi.

“Thunderstorms, accompanied by winds, are also very likely at isolated places over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, west UP, Bihar, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala,” said the IMD advisory.