North India shuts down schools amid dust storm

Authorities have shut down a number of schools following a high-velocity dust storm that hit parts of north India on Monday night with a wind speed of up to 70 kilometers per hour, reports Indian news portal Hindustan Times.

The Met office said the squalls are likely to continue today too. In a few regions of Punjab, east-Uttar Pradesh and east-Rajasthan strong winds are expected along with thunderstorm, the Met office added.

Noida and Gurugram authorities have ordered closure of all schools, while the Delhi government has closed only the evening schools.

 "The actual storm is expected to hit today towards afternoon and evening. We are expecting lightning, thunderstorm, rain and gusty winds that could reach up to 70 km per hour," said Kuldeep Srivastava, a senior scientist with the regional meteorological office.

Delhi and adjoining states Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan experienced gusty winds and squalls on Monday night resulting in low visibility, power disruption and damage to property, reports Hindustan Times.

Trees and electricity poles were uprooted in several areas with reports of power outages. The Delhi traffic police have urged people to take precautions while commuting and the Delhi Metro said it was on alert for heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Met officials have attributed the approaching rain and thunderstorm are likely to affect northwest India between May 6 and May 9.

Last week, at least 124 people were killed and more than 300 others injured in five states in a powerful dust storm and rain that hit north and west India.