As many as 24 people were killed in lightning strikes as unseasonal rains and hailstorms battered Gujarat since November 26
Moreover, at least 25 others were injured and more than 70 animals also died in the havoc wrecked by the sudden thunderstorm in more than 220 talukas where standing crops were damaged.
According to the State government sources, at least 24 people have died in lightning strikes in different areas across the State since Sunday morning.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah condoled the deaths due to bad weather and lightning in various cities of Gujarat on Sunday and said the local administration was engaged in relief work.
Union Minister Amit Shah in a post on social media platform X (formerly, Twitter) on Sunday night said, “I am deeply saddened by the news of the death of many people due to bad weather and lightning in various cities of Gujarat. I express my deepest condolences for the irreparable loss to those who lost their loved ones in this tragedy. The local administration is engaged in relief work, praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
Four persons died in Dahod district, three in Bharuch, two in Tapi, while the remaining were from other districts.
The rains and hailstorms have caused extensive damage to standing crops in Saurashtra and South Gujarat regions. Besides, the rainfall also affected the ceramic industry of Morbi district in Saurashtra region as factories were forced to remain shut.
Meanwhile, Gujarat Agriculture Minister Raghavij Patel has announced plans for a comprehensive survey to assess the extent of the damage to the crops and livestock and to provide compensation to the affected persons based on the survey’s findings.
On Sunday, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, who is on an official visit to Japan with a high level delegation to attract foreign investment in the State, also directed the officials to start the survey to assess the damages caused by the rains.
