Massive dust storm hits Delhi NCR, traffic snarls reported

A massive dust storm accompanied with gusty winds of speed 30 to 40 km/hr hit the national capital and neighbouring areas of Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad on Thursday. 

The Indian Meteorological Department had on Wednesday forecast thunderstorm and dust storm in the national capital.

Several areas plunged into premature darkness. There were reports of power blackout in some parts of the Delhi-NCR region causing inconvenience to residents.

The national capital reeled under searing heat on Tuesday, recording a maximum temperature of 43.7 degrees Celsius, the highest for the season so far.

At least 124 people were killed and more than 300 others injured in Delhi NCR, Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh due to dust storms, thunderstorms and lightning in April-May 2018.