Tuesday, July 1News That Matters

14 Dead in Gujarat as Thunderstorms, Winds, and Lightning Wreak Havoc

Unseasonal thunderstorms with powerful winds and lightning have claimed at least 14 lives across Gujarat, leaving many injured and causing widespread destruction. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued thunderstorms with lightning and wind speeds reaching up to 50-60 km/h over the next few days.

State-Wide Impact: Rainfall in 168 Talukas

According to the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), 168 out of Gujarat’s 253 talukas received unseasonal rainfall in the past 24 hours. Districts like Kheda, Gandhinagar, Mehsana, and Vadodara recorded 25 to 40 mm of rain, triggering sudden temperature drops and damage to infrastructure.

Storm Claims Lives Across Multiple Districts

The SEOC reported 13 deaths on Monday alone due to rain-related incidents, including lightning, electrocution, and collapses of trees, hoardings, and buildings. An additional death from a lightning strike was reported on Sunday in Viramgam, Ahmedabad.

District-Wise Death Toll

Kheda: 4 deaths

Vadodara: 3 deaths

Ahmedabad, Dahod, Aravalli: 2 deaths each

Anand: 1 death

Cause of Deaths

Among the fatalities, four people were crushed by falling trees, two by hoardings, two by electrocution, three from lightning strikes, and three others were buried under collapsed structures.

In Limitada village, Dahod district, strong winds rapidly spread a fire that destroyed more than a dozen huts, adding to the devastation.

More Storms Expected Heavy Rainfall Alert Issued

The IMD has warned of isolated heavy rainfall in Banaskantha, Kutch, Sabarkantha, Aravalli, and Anand districts over the next three days. The storms have led to a significant drop in daytime temperatures, which are expected to fall by another 3 to 5°C. Authorities are urging citizens to stay cautious and take safety measures.

From News Desk

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