Dust storm in Uttar Pradesh, India

    

At least 17 persons have been reported dead in dust storm which hit western Uttar Pradesh on Friday evening.

Muradabad has the highest number of casualties (7) while Muzaffarnagar and Meerutreported two deaths each. Three persons died in Sambhal and two deaths were reported from Badaun. Relief commissioner Sanjay Kumarsaid that all these deaths have been reported due to tree or house collapse incidents.

A tin shed collapsed in Amroha killing one person. Kumar said that district magistrates have been asked to ensure that relief material are distributed within 24 hours and compensations are disbursed to affected families at the earliest.

Close to 150 persons have died in the state due to thunder storms since May 1 this year. While some deaths were reported due to lightning strikes, most deaths have occurred due to wall or tree collapse incidents.