GUJARAT, India: Twenty-four people died by lightning strikes and about 23 were left injured in rain-related incidents in the western Indian state of Gujarat over the past two days, said government officials, with rains continuing on Monday morning.
The state experienced heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and hailstorms on Sunday and Monday, with some areas receiving up to 144 mm (5.7 inches) of rain in the 24 hours ending Monday morning, according to state government data.
The rains resulted in significant damage to houses and loss of cattle across the state.
Gujarat Agriculture Minister Raghavij Patel announced on Monday that a survey would be initiated shortly to assess the extent of the losses incurred. Compensation for the victims will be determined based on the results of this survey.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that rainfall will persist in certain parts of the state on Monday. Sadly, Gujarat has faced similar rain-related calamities before.
In August 2020, 14 lives were lost in the state within two days due to various incidents related to heavy rains and flooding. Additionally, in August 2019, 31 people lost their lives in rain-related incidents in Gujarat.
