Ahmedabad: The weather has made a drastic change in Gujarat, bringing heavy rainfall across multiple regions over the past two days. Unfortunately, the intense weather has turned tragic, with five people losing their lives due to lightning strikes across the state.
According to state authorities, as of Saturday evening, rainfall was recorded in 58 talukas across Gujarat. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued heavy to very heavy rainfall warnings for 15 districts, urging residents to stay alert.
Multiple lightning incidents have been reported in the last 48 hours. In Rajkot, a man named Dalubhai Bariya was killed after being struck by lightning in the Raiyadhar area, which also led to the death of 14 goats and sheep. In Dahod, a tragic incident claimed the lives of a father and son, along with two bullocks. Another fatality was reported in Mangrol, where a woman was killed. Additionally, the village head (sarpanch) of Mokad village in Kalol taluka also died due to a lightning strike.
The IMD has predicted continued heavy to very heavy rain in several districts including Narmada, Dang, Navsari, Valsad, Tapi, Daman, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli. Scattered showers with wind speeds of 30-40 km/h are also expected across North Gujarat. Saurashtra districts like Amreli and Bhavnagar are also on alert for heavy downpours.
An Orange Alert has been issued for Amreli, Bhavnagar, Navsari, and Valsad due to the likelihood of thunderstorms and very heavy rain. A Yellow Alert is in effect for Rajkot, Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Aravalli, Mahisagar, Dahod, Bharuch, Narmada, Surat, Tapi, and Dang districts.
Heavy rainfall on Saturday led to flash flooding in parts of Rajkot, Amreli, Dahod, and Chhota Udaipur. In Gondal, an astonishing four inches of rain was recorded in just one hour, while Rajkot experienced three inches of rainfall. These downpours caused temporary waterlogging and disrupted daily life.
Authorities are urging citizens to take precautions and avoid travel in affected regions unless absolutely necessary, as the monsoon is expected to intensify in the coming days.