(PTI)
Twenty-six people were killed in dust storms and lightning that struck parts of Uttar Pradesh yesterday, while two persons died today in rain-related incidents in Maharashtra. A downpour battered Mumbai, causing disruptions in rail and air traffic, and a dust storm hit the national capital and its surrounding areas that had been reeling under the scorching heat for a few days.
There were reports of rains in Punjab, Haryana and some parts of Uttar Pradesh, which had been sweating it out in sweltering conditions. As many as 26 people were killed due to dust storms and lightning strikes in Uttar Pradesh, a government spokesperson said today. Dust storms and lightning hit places in 11 districts of the state last night resulting in the death of 26 people, he said.
While five deaths each were reported from Jaunpur and Sultanpur, four died in Unnao, three each died in Chandauli and Bahraich, two in Rae Bareli and one each in Mirzapur, Sitapur, Amethi and Pratapgarh, the spokesperson said. Kannauj district was also affected by a dust storm but no casualty was reported from there, he said.Meanwhile, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed the district magistrates of the affected areas to immediately provide compensation to families of those killed and said no laxity will be tolerated.
