Storms are ​common in the northern state during ​the hot season from March to ⁠June, before monsoon rains bring respite.

Television ​images showed trees and billboards uprooted ​by gusts of wind in Wednesday’s storm, sending some crashing into cars amid clouds of ​dust and debris that blew down ​wooden furniture at roadside stalls.

“About 89 people were ‌killed ⁠because of the storm, lightning, and rain-related incidents,” said the official, who sought anonymity because of a lack of authorisation ​to speak ​to the ⁠media.

Some deaths were caused by falling trees and the walls ​of homes, a state relief ​official ⁠told Reuters, without giving immediate details of rescue efforts.

Senior government officials did not ⁠immediately ​respond to requests for ​comment.