22 killed, over 100 injured in Rajasthan dust storm

High-speed dust storm in Rajasthan’s Bharatpur, Alwar and Dholpur districts have killed 22 and injured over 100 people. Eleven people died in Bharatpur, six in Dholpur, four in Alwar and one in Jhunjhunu. The dust storm left a trail of destruction leaving hundreds of trees and electric poles uprooted.

On Wednesday, heat wave was reported in parts of Rajasthan with Kota recording the highest temperature at 45.4 degrees. The weather department had warned of dust storm, heat wave and light rains in different pockets of the state.

“A detailed report of the disaster is awaited. Relief and rescue teams have been pressed into service,” said Hemant Kumar Gera, Secretary, Disaster Management and Relief.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje expressed grief over the calamity and said authorities concerned in the districts have been directed to ensure all possible help to victims. “Condolence for families who lost their loved ones,” she said on Twitter.