A massive whirlwind entered the western Rajasthan districts of Jaisalmer and Bikaner from the India-Pakistan border on Monday evening, causing a dust storm in the region’s towns, which disrupted traffic on the roads and led to the collapse of electricity poles and tin-sheds.
No loss of life has been reported from the affected places.
The low-intensity dust storm changed the weather conditions and led to a sudden drop in the temperature, which was earlier mostly above 40 degree Celsius all over the State. Thundershowers were reported in Sriganganagar and Bikaner.
Poor visibility
The whirlwind first entered the Khajuwala town, situated near the international border, and progressed towards Bikaner, turning into a storm. With the dust in the atmosphere reducing visibility at places like Nachna, Mohangarh, Lunkaransar, Mahajan and Chhatargarh, motorists turned their headlights on. The road traffic was disrupted at several places.
Police were alerted in Jaisalmer, Bikaner and Sriganganagar districts and the administration issued warnings, asking the people to remain indoors.
The Disaster Management Department also geared up with the equipment for extending relief.
In its fresh weather warning, the Jaipur Met office said 26 of the 33 districts in the State were likely to get dust storms and rains during the next 24 hours. Dusty winds followed by thunderstorm are likely to occur in several parts of the State.
High-speed dust storm had wreaked havoc in the eastern Rajasthan districts of Alwar, Bharatpur and Dholpur last week, killing 35 persons and causing destruction of power and water supply infrastructure.
