NEW DELHI: A powerful storm bringing dust, lightning and unseasonal rain has killed at least 47 people in central and western India, officials said Wednesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed anguish in a tweet over the loss of lives and announced relief for the victims' families.

Tuesday's storm had winds reaching 50 kilometres per hour (30 miles per hour) and damaged homes and uprooted trees and power lines in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Rajasthan states.

The worst hit was Rajasthan state, where at least 24 people died, relief officer Ashutosh Pednekar said.

Madhya Pradesh state's top elected official, Kamal Nath, said at least 10 deaths were reported there.

The Press Trust of India news agency said 13 other deaths were reported in Gujarat and Maharashtra states.

India's monsoon season starts in June and ends in September.

(UPDATED)

Dust storm, lightning and rain kill at least 30 in India

NEW DELHI: A powerful dust storm, lightning and unseasonal rain have killed at least 30 people in central and western India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a tweet Wednesday expressed anguish over the loss of lives and announced relief for the victims' families.

Tuesday's storm had winds touching 50 kilometres per hour (30 miles per hour) and damaged dozens of homes and uprooted trees and power lines in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan states.

Madhya Pradesh state's top elected official Kamal Nath said at least 10 deaths were reported from Indore and Dhar districts.

The Press Trust of India news agency said another 20 deaths were reported from Gujarat and Rajasthan states.

India's monsoon season starts in June and ends in September.