Dust Storm Kills Two in Delhi, Warning Issued Until 11 May
Flights were delayed and schools were asked to remain shut at the wake of this adverse weather.
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Two people were killed, and one suffered major burns as three ambulances caught fire in Sheikh Sarai area of Delhi after the heavy dust storm hit the national capital on Monday night, 7 May.
All the public and private schools in Ghaziabad have been directed to remain shut on Tuesday in view of the adverse weather, while flights to and from Delhi were delayed, as precautionary measures.
Schools have been strictly prohibited from holding outdoor activities between 3 pm to 7 pm during which the winds speed is expected to remain high.
The dust storms had hit several parts of North India including the NCR region, Rajasthan, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, with strong winds reaching up to 70 kmph.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an alert forecasting that thunderstorms, squalls and gusty winds are likely to hit at least 14 states and two Union Territories till 11 May.
Several power outages were also reported as trees and electricity poles were uprooted in many areas.
The National Disaster Management Association (NDMA) issued pointers to help citizens prepare for the dust storm.
As per the prediction, this dust storm will not be as devastating as the one witnessed by the country during the last week of April 2018.
Search and rescue teams have been kept on standby in the wake of the forecast warning. The traffic police have also alerted their field formations to stay ready to remove obstacles such as fallen trees. Additionally, commuters have been asked to check weather conditions before travelling.
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