Gujarat, no stranger to rain-related challenges, faces an unusual occurrence as significant rainstorms hit the state during the winter months. In the past two days, lightning strikes claimed the lives of 24 people and left 23 injured, as relentless rains persist.
The western Indian state experienced heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and hailstorms, causing considerable damage. Some areas recorded up to 144mm (5.7 inches) of rain in the 24 hours leading to Monday morning, according to state government data. Houses were damaged, cattle lost, and at least 40 animals perished.
Gujarat’s Agriculture Minister, Raghavji Patel, announced plans for a survey to assess the losses, with compensation based on the survey’s findings. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts continued rainfall in parts of the state on Monday.
Expressing deep sorrow, Federal Home Minister Amit Shah, a native of Gujarat, acknowledged the unexpected nature of such intense rainstorms during winter. This event follows a pattern of rain-related incidents in the state, with 14 deaths in August 2020 and 31 in August 2019 due to heavy rains and flooding.
While India grapples with annual challenges of flash floods and lightning, scientists caution that escalating global temperatures contribute to a surge in extreme weather events.
