Wind storm in India damages homes, leaves at least 10 dead

LUCKNOW, India – Officials say at least 10 people were killed overnight as strong winds swept through north India, uprooting trees that slammed through houses and crushed people inside.

Uttar Pradesh state spokesman Awanish Awasthi said Tuesday that six people had died in Unnao district, 40 kilometers (25 miles) south of Lucknow, the state capital. Four more people died in other towns in the state.

The winds were blowing at nearly 80 kph (50 mph), strong enough to blow down the walls of mud homes, or cause trees to collapse and destroy concrete houses.

North India has been pummeled repeatedly by wind and rain in recent weeks, including one storm that killed 134 people and another that killed 43.