22 killed, over 100 injured as dust storm wreaks havoc in Rajasthan

At least 22 were killed and more than 100 injured in different parts of Rajasthan as a high-speed dust storm on Wednesday night in Bharatpur, Alwar and Dholpur districts left a trail of destruction, uprooting hundreds of trees and electricity poles.
According to preliminary reports, 11 people were killed in Bharatpur, four in Alwar, five in Dholpur and one each in Jhunjhunu and Bikaner.

The storm caused major destruction in Alwar where more than 100 trees were uprooted, many of which fell on stationary vehicles and snapped electricity cables. The power distribution company switched off electricity to prevent further damage.
“More than 1,000 electricity poles were uprooted in the storm, plunging the city in darkness. It will take



us at least two days to restore supply,” said Alwar power distribution company executive engineer DP Singh.
The state government rushed the State Disaster Relief Force to affected districts and issued an alert.

Meanwhile, All India Congress Committee general secretary and former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot cancelled his birthday celebrations, tweeting: “Very sad to know about 22 people have died and over 100 injured due to dust storms and strong winds in #Rajasthan.. We are extremely grieved at the loss of lives in state and stand with the victims in this hour of tragedy… I cancel all the celebration programs at my residence on today’s occasion. Blood donation camps and Janhit programs can be continued by the organisers.