Dust storm LIVE UPDATES: Another likely in 48 hours; Home Ministry issues warning for West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar and UP

Dust storm LIVE UPDATES: Weather analysts said there is a fair amount of moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal and from North India, which will lead to formation of storm clouds and widespread thundershowers across East India, Gangetic plains, southern India and Central India.

By: Express Web Desk
New Delhi | Updated: May 4, 2018 04:44 PM IST

LIVE UPDATES: At least 72 people killed in deadly dust storm; UP, Rajasthan badly affected

Dust storm 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.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted another episode of dust storm and thundershowers in the next 48 hours due to cyclonic circulation formation in the region. On Wednesday and Thursday, more than 100 people were killed and at least 205 injured in the deadly dust storm that pummeled several parts of western and northern India.

Meanwhile, Delhi witnessed light showers today early morning bringing the temperatures down in the national capital region. Also Read See photos | | Rajasthan: 27 killed, nearly 100 injured as dust storm, thunder showers wreak havoc

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Live Blog

Another dust storm likely in UP, Rajasthan. Follow LIVE updates below

16:43 (IST)04 May 2018

CM Yogi Adityanath rushes back to UP

CM Yogi Adityanath rushing back to UP to visit storm-hit Agra, cutting short Karnataka poll campaign: Official (PTI)

(Source: Twitter)

16:25 (IST)04 May 2018

Home Ministry issues warning 4 states

Fresh warning issued for possible thunderstorms in West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar and UP today: Home Ministry (PTI)

16:22 (IST)04 May 2018

At least 124 people killed in two days due to dust storm: Home Ministry

Thunderstorm, lightning killed at least 124 people in five states in two days, said the Home ministry in a statement. (PTI)

14:13 (IST)04 May 2018

Thunderstorm, gusty winds 'very likely' in North Eastern India, West Bengal, Odisha and Kerala

#Thunderstorm accompanied with gusty winds very likely at isolated places over Gangetic #WestBengal, #Assam & #Meghalaya,#Nagaland, #Manipur, #Mizoram & #Tripura, #Odisha and #Kerala.
— NDMA India (@ndmaindia) May 4, 2018

14:05 (IST)04 May 2018

Duststorms very likely in Western Rajasthan

National Disaster Management Authority has forecasted thunderstorms/sandstorms in Western parts of Rajasthan on Friday.

#Duststorm/ #Thunderstorm very likely at isolated places over West #Rajasthan.
— NDMA India (@ndmaindia) May 4, 2018

10:56 (IST)04 May 2018

Maximum deaths due to lightning

Most of the deaths that occurrred on Thursday were due to lightning strikes Lightning is the biggest killer in India among natural calamities. In 2014 and 2015, it killed 2,582 and 2,641, show National Crime Records Bureau data.

10:22 (IST)04 May 2018

Forecasts for thunderstorm across northern India, dust storms in western Rajasthan

"Thunderstorm accompanied with squall very likely at isolated places over Uttarakhand, West Bengal & Sikkim and Odisha. Thunderstorm accompanied with gusty winds very likely at isolated places over Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, East Rajasthan, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, north coastal Andhra Pradesh, south Interior Karnataka, Interior Tamil nadu and Kerala," read the IMD forecast.

21:03 (IST)03 May 2018

People clear blocked road during the massive storm at Kheria Mod near Agra on Thursday

20:50 (IST)03 May 2018

Agra: 43 people dead, 51 injured and damage caused to property due to heavy rain and dust storm in the region. (Earlier visuals) pic.twitter.com/RC9Ix5KoNp
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 3, 2018

20:33 (IST)03 May 2018

Days before dust storm, IMD issued warning, but not for UP, Rajasthan

The IMD had earlier issued a "severe thunderstorm activity" warning for several places, but none were for Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Specific warnings were issued for May 2 and 3 for Gangetic West Bengal and Odisha along with other places in eastern and northeastern India as per the advisory issued on April 30. On April 30, the IMD issued a detailed advisory that a cyclonic circulation lay over east Bihar, West Bengal and Jharkhand and a "trough run from this cyclonic circulation to Manipur across Meghalaya in lower levels".

20:28 (IST)03 May 2018

Agra worst hit in UP, in Rajasthan it was Bharatpur district

In UP, Agra district was the worst hit, accounting for at least 43 deaths and injuries to 51 others, officials said. In Rajasthan, Bharatpur district was the worst affected with 19 killed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow over the deaths and directed officials to coordinate with states to ensure speedy relief and rehabilitation. '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,' the Prime Minister's Office tweeted quoting Modi.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was in poll-bound Karnataka today, campaigning with Modi. He directed officials to personally monitor relief operations, warning against any laxity. Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje expressed grief over the calamity and said district authorities have been directed to ensure all possible help to victims. Rajasthan government said contingency funds have been released to district administrations.

18:42 (IST)03 May 2018

People salvage their damaged house which collapsed in the Wednesday night's massive storm near Agra on Thursday

18:38 (IST)03 May 2018

Meanwhile, see pictures of other states hit by the thunderstorm

17:08 (IST)03 May 2018

Another storm expected in next 48 hours

According to IMD, another dust storm may hit parts of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan in the next 48 hours due to cyclonic circulation formation in the region.

"There is a high probability that winds will intensify in the next 48 hours in Rajasthan, which may lead to another dust storm. It will affect areas of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan border, especially Karauli and Dholpur," Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) scientist Himanshu Sharma was quoted by PTI.

Satellite images have shown wind pressure developing in parts of Rajasthan, which may lead to high-intensity winds and dust storm.

16:51 (IST)03 May 2018

Compensation of 4 lakh announced to kin of those died in Rajasthan

In Rajasthan, a total 35 people have been dead so far including 17 people in Bharatpur, 9 in Dholpur, 9 in Alwar. Nearly 205 people injured. Rajasthan minister Gulab Chand Kataria has announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh each to next of kin of those who died due to the severe dust storm.

16:03 (IST)03 May 2018

CM Yogi Adityanath directs officers concerned to monitor relief operations

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 that no laxity will be tolerated in providing succour to the needy.

"Chief Secretary Rajive Kumar has spoken to Commissioner Agra division and directed that relief be distributed by the evening and senior officers visit the injured in hospitals," Principal Secretary, Information, Avanish Awasthi said.

14:58 (IST)03 May 2018

As per the latest figures, the death toll in Uttar Pradesh has reached 64 and 47 injured in the dust storm in different parts of the state. At least 160 animals have also died due to the calamity. The other affected districts include Bijnor, Bareli, Saharanpur, Pilibhit, Firozabad, Chitrakoot, Muzaffarnagar, Mathura, Kanpur, Sitapur, Mirzapur, Sambhal, Banda, Kannauj, Rae Bareli and Unnao.

14:29 (IST)03 May 2018

During intervening night due to lightning 21 persons died & 40 persons got injured in #Rajasthan (Bharatpur, Alwar, Dhaulpur & Jhunjhunu distt);45 died (Agra-36, Bijnor-3, Saharnpur-2, Bareilly-1, Chitrakoot-1, Raebareli-1,Unnao-1); 38 injured in UP.156 animals also died in UP.
— NDMA India (@ndmaindia) May 3, 2018

14:11 (IST)03 May 2018

Weather warning and forecast till May 5 have been issued in Uttar Pradesh. Gusty winds are very likely in several districts.

13:48 (IST)03 May 2018

Light rainfall occurred in many places over Chhattisgarh, few places over Vidarbha and isolated places in West Madhya Pradesh.

13:31 (IST)03 May 2018

A detailed report of the disaster is awaited even as relief and rescue teams have been pressed into service to clear debris and restore power supply, Hemant Kumar Gera said.

13:28 (IST)03 May 2018

Women walk along Rajpath during a dust storm in New Delhi on Wednesday. (PTI Photo)

A man rides motorcycle during a dust storm in New Delhi on Wednesday. (PTI Photo)

13:19 (IST)03 May 2018

"A few are undergoing primary treatment while others were discharged. One critical patient from Dholpur was referred to Jaipur," Hemant Kumar said.

13:19 (IST)03 May 2018

Dholpur, Alwar and Bharatpur more affected in Rajasthan

In Rajasthan, the districts of Dholpur, Alwar and Bharatpur were among those affected. Two of those killed in Dholpur were from Agra in Uttar Pradesh. Nearly 100 were injured in the disaster. 20 were injured in Alwar, 32 in Bharatpur and 50 in Dholpur, respectively.

13:18 (IST)03 May 2018

Hemant Kumar Gera,Secretary, Disaster Management and Relief in Jaipur said, "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."

13:14 (IST)03 May 2018

"Chief Secretary Rajive Kumar has spoken to Commissioner Agra division and directed him that relief be distributed by the evening and senior officers visit the injured in hospitals," PTI quoted Principal Secretary, Information, Avanish Awasthi as saying.

13:14 (IST)03 May 2018

A number of houses collapsed and electricity poles and trees got uprooted as the severe dust storm swept Agra division.

13:13 (IST)03 May 2018

Dust storm claims at least 156 animals' lives in Uttar Pradesh

At least 156 animals have also died due to the calamity in Uttar Pradesh. "We have sought a detailed report from the affected districts," the Relief Commissioner said.

13:10 (IST)03 May 2018

"As per figures received till noon, 45 people were killed and 38 injured in the dust storm in different parts of the state," PTI quoted Relief Commissioner Sanjay Kumar as saying.

13:09 (IST)03 May 2018

Number of deaths in different districts of Uttar Pradesh

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.

13:04 (IST)03 May 2018

Agra worst hit by dust storm in Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh's Agra district has been worst hit by the dust storm, accounting for 36 deaths. Here is the list of how many people have died in which part of the state.

12:57 (IST)03 May 2018

Shri Gulabchand Kataria ji shall be monitoring situation at Alwar, Shri Arun Chaturvedi ji in Dholpur; Shri Kalicharan Saraf in Bharatpur & Shri Surendrapal Singh ji in Jhunjhunu. The Govt. stands firmly with its people in this time.
— Vasundhara Raje (@VasundharaBJP) May 3, 2018

12:57 (IST)03 May 2018

Have directed Ministers and concerned officials to affected areas to begin relief work immediately and restore utilities. An unfortunate incident, we have been working closely with local authorities to mitigate the situation.
— Vasundhara Raje (@VasundharaBJP) May 3, 2018

12:56 (IST)03 May 2018

“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.

12:55 (IST)03 May 2018

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.

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— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) May 3, 2018

12:47 (IST)03 May 2018

Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje directs authorities to extend aid to victims

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.

12:46 (IST)03 May 2018

Yogi Adityanath directs officials to personally monitor relief work

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.

12:45 (IST)03 May 2018

At least 72 killed in deadly dust storm: PM Modi expresses condolences

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.

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: PM
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 3, 2018

12:41 (IST)03 May 2018

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.

Rajasthan: 27 killed, several injured as dust storm, thunder showers wreak havoc.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Rajasthan and UP may witness another episode of dust storm and thundershowers.

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