Dust storms tore across northern India killing more than 70 people and injuring up to 143 as trees and walls collapsed due to powerful winds, according to officials.
The overnight storm ravaged Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan states and the death toll was expected to rise, according to AFP.
46 were confirmed dead in Uttar Pradesh in the north and 31 in the desert state of Rajasthan to the west.
The Agra district of Uttar Pradesh, home to the Taj Mahal monument, was one of the worst hit, according to media reports.
"I've been in office for 20 years and this is the worst I've seen," Hemant Gera, secretary for disaster management and relief in Rajasthan, told the BBC.
More than 1,000 electricity pylons were destroyed which deprived Bharatpur from power supply.
The state government quickly released funds to compensate the families of those killed or suffered damage.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the families of those who have passed away.
"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," said in a Tweet.
"Have asked officials to coordinate with the respective state governments and work towards assisting those who have been affected," he added.
