In a devastating turn of events, at least 14 people have lost their lives due to thunderstorms, lightning strikes, and heavy rainfall across different regions of Gujarat. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued warnings for continued adverse weather conditions as strong winds and rainfall persist in the state.
According to reports from PTI, the state has been experiencing turbulent weather, resulting in numerous incidents that led to tragic deaths. On Tuesday, authorities provided details of the damage caused by the storm, which included fallen trees, damaged electrical poles, and collapsed buildings. Gujarat is still witnessing strong winds and intermittent rainfall, with officials stating that the full extent of the damage can only be assessed once the weather stabilizes.
The IMD has forecasted that heavy rainfall and winds at speeds of 50-60 km/h will continue across various parts of Gujarat until May 7, 2025. The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) reported that 168 out of the state's 253 talukas witnessed unseasonal rainfall on Monday. The districts of Kheda, Gandhinagar, Mehsana, and Vadodara recorded rainfall of 25 to 40 mm.
Most of the fatalities occurred due to rain-related incidents on Monday, May 5, 2025. The SEOC confirmed that 13 people died in districts including Ahmedabad, Anand, Kheda, Dahod, Aravalli, and Vadodara due to various weather-related accidents. Additionally, one person lost their life due to lightning in the Viramgam area of Ahmedabad on Sunday.
In terms of cause, four deaths were attributed to fallen trees, two from hoardings collapsing, two from electrocution, three from lightning strikes, and three others from house collapses. The toll was highest in Kheda district, which reported four fatalities, followed by Vadodara with three. Ahmedabad, Dahod, and Aravalli reported two deaths each, while one fatality was recorded in Anand.
The storm also wreaked havoc in Dahod district’s Limkheda region, where strong winds contributed to a fire that spread rapidly, destroying dozens of huts. Reports indicated that at least 50 houses were burned to varying degrees across the district. The SEOC has warned that such fires and other weather-related incidents could continue in the coming days, further exacerbating the damage.
In specific incidents, Mangi Labda died in Ruvabari village after a tree fell on her. In the early hours of Tuesday, Shakra Patel from Toyni village and Jagruti Mavi from Dhumdi village were found dead. Patel was injured when a tree fell on him, while Mavi died when the wall of her house collapsed. Twelve others were injured in Dahod district, while 13 were injured in Panchmahal.
A worker employed by a contractor for Madhya Gujarat Vij Company Ltd (MGVCL) died in Panchmahal, electrocuted while trying to restore power on the Derol Station Road in Kalol taluka. Several parts of Dahod and Panchmahal districts were without power even on Tuesday, as damage to electricity poles and lines caused by the storm was extensive.
The IMD has predicted more heavy rainfall in districts including Banaskantha, Kutch, Sabarkantha, Aravalli, and Anand in the next three days. The rain is expected to bring a drop in daytime temperatures, with a decline of three to five degrees Celsius anticipated in certain regions.
In a related update, the IMD warned that thunderstorms with lightning and strong winds of up to 50-60 km/h are likely to continue across many parts of the state. The worst-affected areas were reported to be Chilakota village of Limkheda taluka, where a fire spread to 31 dwellings.
As the storm continues to affect Gujarat, authorities are urging residents to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. Rescue operations are underway in the affected areas, with officials monitoring the situation closely.
With more weather-related challenges expected in the coming days, the government is working to address the immediate needs of those affected and mitigate further risks. Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel and stay indoors during severe weather conditions.
The impact of the rainfall was especially severe during a 24-hour period from 6 am on May 5 to 6 am on May 6, with over 30 talukas across Gujarat reporting more than 20 mm of rain. The highest rainfall was recorded in Kapadvanj (40 mm), followed by Mansa and Sihor (37 mm each). Vadodara city reported 30 mm, leading to waterlogging in multiple areas.
Unseasonal rainfall in May is uncommon in Gujarat and can severely disrupt harvesting activities, particularly in rural Saurashtra, where many farmers had stored their produce outdoors. The Meteorological Department indicated that maximum temperatures during the next three to four days are likely to fall by 3-5 degrees Celsius.
As the situation continues to evolve, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of residents and restoring normalcy in the affected regions.
