77 killed as powerful dust storms hit north India

Dust storms tore across northern India, killing at least 77 people and injuring 143, as trees and walls were flattened by powerful winds, officials said Thursday.

The overnight storm ravaged Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan states, and the death toll was expected to rise, officials said.

There were 46 confirmed deaths in Uttar Pradesh in the north and 31 in the desert state of Rajasthan, to the west.

The Agra district of Uttar Pradesh was one of the worst-hit with more than 30 people killed. The Taj Mahal is in Agra city but officials said the monument escaped damage.