At least 96 people have died and more than 50 were injured after severe dust storms, heavy rain, and lightning struck several districts of Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous state, officials said Wednesday.

Many deaths were caused by falling trees, collapsing structures, and lightning strikes. Emergency teams, including police and disaster response units, used chainsaws and cranes to clear debris from roads and railway lines.

Residents described panic as the storm hit suddenly. “The sky turned completely dark within minutes. Tin roofs were flying, and people ran indoors. We could hear trees falling throughout the evening,” said Ram Kishore from Prayagraj district.

In Bhadohi district, Savitri Devi said her family narrowly escaped when their mud house collapsed. “We rushed outside when the walls started shaking. Our roof collapsed moments later,” she recounted.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered officials to complete relief operations within 24 hours and provide emergency aid and compensation to affected families. The storms, common from March to June before the monsoon, caused widespread damage to homes, crops, and power infrastructure.

Source: www.aljazeera.com