Not less than 77 people have been killed by dust storms that tore across northern India and left 143 injured as trees and walls were brought down by powerful winds.

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 and trees.