New Delhi - At least 94 people were killed in fierce dust storms in India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh, government officials said Friday. "The number of people killed due to the storms that lashed various parts of the state on Wednesday has climbed to 94," State Relief Commissioner GK Tandan said.
"Most of the deaths were caused by incidents of fires in huts, house collapses and uprooting of trees," Tandan said. "Almost half the deaths were reported from areas such as Firozabad, Kannauj, Kanpur Dehat and Etawah."
Meanwhile, local media said the death toll could be higher than the official figure of 94. The Asian Age newspaper reported that 124 people were killed in the storms.
Strong winds of up to 75 kilometres an hour accompanied by heavy rains, flattened houses, uprooted trees and electrical poles, and snapped communication links across 20 districts in Uttar Pradesh.
At least four people were killed in New Delhi, which also experienced similar weather conditions.
Indian Meteorological Department officials said the storm was typical of the pre-monsoon period. The department forecast rain and thundershowers along with isolated thunder squalls in the north over the next five days.
Meanwhile, officials in Uttar Pradesh said emergency meals and medical help was being provided to storm victims.
Local agencies said many animals were killed in the storms, which also destroyed the mango, musk-melon and watermelon crops in several areas in the state.
