Dust storms tore across northern India killing at least 78 people and injuring more than 140 as trees and walls were brought down by powerful winds, officials said.
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 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.
Most of the victims were hit by falling walls, trees and electric pylons and houses that collapsed.
"We can confirm at least 46 deaths, 41 injuries from around 40 of the state's 75 districts," a spokesman for Uttar Pradesh relief commissioner's office said.
Three districts in Rajasthan, a state popular with tourists for its heritage palaces and colourful culture, were hit the hardest.
Power supply was cut in Bharatpur as more than 1,000 electricity pylons were destroyed.
Last month, a storm killed at least 15 people in Uttar Pradesh and destroyed two ancient pillars at the entryways to the Taj Mahal.
