Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday approved an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each from Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to dust storm in various parts of north India on May 2.
An official release also said that PM Modi has also approved Rs.50, 000 for those who were seriously injured due to the thunder storm. At least 93 people died in dust storm and lightning strikes that hit several parts of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.
While 62 people were killed in Uttar Pradesh, with 43 of them in the Taj city Agra alone, another 31 died in Rajasthan’s Alwar, Dholpur and Bharatpur districts. Around 150 people were also injured in the two states.16 deaths were reported from Madhya Pradesh and 9 from Gujarat.
“PM @narendramodi has expressed grief at the loss of lives due to unseasonal rains and storms in MP, Rajasthan, Manipur & various parts of the country. The government is doing its best to provide all possible assistance to those affected. The situation is being monitored closely,” the PMO tweeted.
In Gujarat, a dust storm damaged part of a tent being erected for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s April 17 rally in Himmatnagar town in Sabarkantha district of Gujarat. Some covering material of the structure was either blown away or torn apart, local BJP leaders said, adding that the structure, which is intended to provide shade to people and dignitaries on stage, remained largely intact
