At least seven people were killed in a severe dust storm in north-western state of India, Rajasthan, on Tuesday.
While five people died in Bharatpur, two others were killed in Bikaner district. Many houses were reported damaged in the storm, which was followed by light showers.
The central government has announced a compensation of ₹4 lakh to the families of the deceased.
The weather department said the dust storm occurred due to the extreme heat on Monday. Its effect was seen in the adjoining states of Haryana and Delhi.
According to reports, the strong wind blowing at 80 kmph affected Delhi Metro Rail service in the national capital as it damaged an overhead electric line.
Meanwhile, two other districts of Rajasthan -- Sikar and Jhunjhunu -- witnessed hailstorms.
The Met department has forecast heavy rains in various parts of north India in the coming days.
Check out the photos of storm in North India below:
Freak storm in north India leaves 7 dead in Rajasthan. http://t.co/z7wQr7W6uw pic.twitter.com/MXK8llu5xK
— Hindustan Times (@htTweets) May 20, 2015
Severe dust storm hits north; 7 dead in Rajasthan http://t.co/2jZHdJ1V35 pic.twitter.com/bL2Ch69abd — dna (@dna) May 19, 2015
तूफान ने उत्तर भारत की रफ्तार रोकी, यूपी में 6, राजस्थान में 7 की मौत http://t.co/rcU9AjPuj5 pic.twitter.com/OaB3M1CcFS
— Live Hindustan (@Live_Hindustan) May 19, 2015
