Uprooted trees, snapped power lines and disrupted water supply has been the reality for the residents of Agra for the last 24 hours. Agra has been the worst hit as a series of dust storms have wreaked havoc across North India. The death toll in Agra district has been the highest.

CGTN’s Neha Poonia reports.

The city has been more or less spared when it comes to the impact of the storm. It’s the rural areas in the Agra district that have been badly hit. Officials have said this is because most temporary houses in those areas collapsed in the middle of the night–when the dust storm was at its peak.

There are warnings issued to the residents, but in India in the months of May and June, dust storms are routine. This is why, locals said, they didn’t take the warnings seriously.

Saddened by the loss of lives due to dust storms in various parts of India. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon.

Have asked officials to coordinate with the respective state governments and work towards assisting those who have been affected: PM

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 3, 2018

The dust storm knocked out electricity and left many without water in the city for hours. Officials told CGTN that even though power and water have been restored in Agra, they are still working on restoring those services in rural areas of this district.

The Additional District Magistrate of Agra tells me that rescue operations are on a war footing. The state government has announced compensation of 6000 USD for the families of the deceased. Electricity and power in the city of Agra have been restored- rural areas will be next

— Neha Poonia (@NehaPoonia) May 3, 2018

But the worst is far from over. Officials predict another round of dust storms on Friday and Saturday, and have warned residents to stay alert.