Lightning Strike (img: Envato Elements)

A spell of heavy rains, thunder, and lightning strikes has left Gujarat trembling. These unseasonal rains have taken several lives and caused damage across the state. The government has announced an ex-gratia for the kin of the people who succumbed to these severe thunderstorms.

Government announces ex gratia, assistance

Lightning strikes across the state on Nov 26 were the reason for 24 lives lost in several areas.

Following this, the state government has reportedly announced monetary assistance for the families of the deceased in these rains. An ex gratia of ₹4 lakh for each deceased has been announced by the government.

It is noteworthy that Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel, who is currently on a visit to Japan, learned about the unseasonal rains while en route. After learning about the loss of lives, he also instructed the officials to assist the families.

Severe rain torments lifeline in Gujarat

An official from the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) said that the sudden weather change, particularly severe in several districts, was responsible for these fatalities.

Deaths were registered in Mehsana’s Kadi, Amreli’s Jafrabad, Botad’s Barwala, Bharuch, Surendranagar, Sabarkantha’s Idar, Tapi, Dahod, Bavla, Patan, Khambhalia, Kalol, and Viramgam. A rickshaw puller also died after being crushed under a tree in Mehsana.

Dahod district witnessed the most deaths: three, while Bharuch saw two, and one each was registered in Amreli, Surendranagar, Mehsana, Botad, Panchmahal, Kheda, Sabarkantha, Surat, and Ahmedabad districts.

The rains have affected over 155 talukas across Gujarat, with the Saurashtra region bearing significant impacts.

Major cities, including Surat, Ahmedabad, and Gandhinagar, experienced heavy rainfall, while poor visibility due to fog posed commuting challenges. Talala in Gir Somnath district recorded the highest rainfall of 46 mm.

(With inputs from IANS)

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