In neighboring Rajasthan, about 35 people died and over 200 were injured after winds downed more than 8,000 electricity poles and uprooted hundreds of trees.

[2] The storms typically occur in the summer months, when the weather has been dry to allow dust to be picked up by passing winds.

Contributing to the storm was a period of abnormally high temperatures for the region, which increased the intensity of the weather system.

[6] The dust storm first started late on 2 May 2018, predominantly hitting the states of Uttar Pradesh[7] and Rajasthan.

[5] Officials stated that the storm was more devastating than prior dust storms as the stronger weather system carried more debris which caused more damage to homes and buildings, and because it struck at night, most were asleep and were unable to take precautions, leaving many killed or injured by falling structures.