4 Killed as dust storms and thunderstorms cause widespread damage across Rajasthan
At least 4 people, including a woman, were killed in separate incidents across Rajasthan as powerful dust storms, thunderstorms and heavy rainfall battered several parts of the state over the past 24 hours. Authorities said strong winds caused wall collapses and flying debris, leading to fatalities in Bharatpur, Dholpur and Bhilwara districts.
In Bharatpur's Jhorol village, 55-year-old Indra Devi died after a wall of an under-construction building collapsed during a late-night storm. Her differently-abled son was injured in the incident. In Bhilwara's Bijolia area, 45-year-old Devilal Dhakad lost his life after an iron sheet blown by strong winds struck his neck while he was inside his house.
Two brothers, Ramphool Singh and Samay Singh, residents of Bharatpur district, were killed in Dholpur's Baseri area when a wall they had taken shelter under collapsed during strong winds. The victims were returning home after grazing goats and later succumbed to injuries in hospital.
The severe weather also caused property damage in several areas. In Bikaner, the roof of a government school collapsed due to the storm. No casualties were reported as the school was closed for holidays.
According to the Meteorological Department, many parts of eastern Rajasthan witnessed light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, while western districts experienced dust storms, thunderstorms and scattered rain. Dungargarh in Bikaner district recorded the highest rainfall at 75 mm during the period.
Officials have forecast continued rainfall and thunderstorm activity across Rajasthan until June 7, with temperatures expected to remain 2-3 degrees Celsius below normal due to the changing weather onditions.
