Bikaner: A dust storm approaches the city of Bikaner on Wednesday.
The death toll caused by the high-speed dust storm, which wreaked havoc on Wednesday night in Rajasthan’s Bharatpur, Alwar and Dholpur districts, rose to 27 people on Thursday. Over 100 people were also left injured in the calamity.
Earlier today, it was reported that 22 people were killed, of which eleven people died in Bharatpur, six in Dholpur, four in Alwar and one in Jhunjhunu as the dust storm left a trail of destruction leaving hundreds of trees and electric poles uprooted.
A detailed report of the disaster is awaited even as relief and rescue teams have been pressed into service, Secretary, Disaster Management and Relief, Hemant Kumar Gera told PTI.
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.
In view of the calamity, Congress National General Secretary Ashok Gehlot cancelled his birthday celebrations at his official residence in Jaipur.
"We are extremely grieved at the loss of lives in the state and stand with the victims in this hour of tragedyI cancel all celebrations at my residence today. Blood donation camps and Janhit programs can be continued by organisers," he said.
Bhanwar Jitendra Singh, Congress leader from Alwar, wrote: “I pray for safety for all effected by the storm the administration should provide all support alongwith compensation to all effected.”
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.
