Violent storms return to India, killing at least 86

Indian authorities said yesterday at least 86 people were killed and more than 100 injured in a fresh wave of sandstorms, thunderstorms and lightning strikes that hit great swathes of the country.

Winds of more than 60mph struck late on Sunday, uprooting trees and damaging electricity pylons and houses, officials said.

Authorities in Uttar Pradesh state said 38 people were killed there, with at least two more killed in New Delhi. Indira Gandhi International Airport was closed for more than two hours because of the winds, and 70 flights were diverted.