What Caused the Tragic Loss of Life in Gujarat?

Gandhinagar, May 6 (NationPress) A tragic incident unfolded as at least 14 individuals lost their lives and 16 others sustained injuries due to unexpected heavy rainfall, violent winds, and dust storms that struck various regions of Gujarat, disrupting daily activities during the peak of the summer season.

According to official reports from May 4 to 6, the Kheda district experienced the most severe impact, with two individuals tragically crushed by falling trees and another two fatalities resulting from the collapse of a building and a temporary structure.

In Vadodara, three deaths were reported, including two from electrocution and one due to a falling hoarding.

“In Ahmedabad, two fatalities were recorded, with one individual succumbing to lightning and the other due to a falling hoarding,” noted an official.

“In Aravalli, both deaths resulted from lightning strikes, while in Dahod, victims perished from uprooted trees,” the official further explained.

Additionally, in Anand, a woman died after a wall collapsed. Of the 16 injured, six were from Panchmahal, while Kheda and Dahod reported three injuries each. Aravalli and Anand collectively saw four more injuries,” the official added.

The storm also inflicted damage on livestock and property, injuring 25 animals and causing the collapse of seven houses in Panchmahal and Kheda.

“The extreme weather affected 168 talukas across Gujarat, notably impacting Saurashtra, Kutch, and central districts. In Ahmedabad, a blinding dust storm was followed by heavy rain late at night, with high-speed winds causing at least 46 trees to fall in over 75 incidents,” the official stated.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for continued rainfall today, with gusts expected to reach 40–50 km/h. Authorities are urging residents to stay indoors during peak wind activity and to avoid areas with large hoardings or unstable structures.

In Saurashtra and central Gujarat, fields of ripe mangoes, groundnuts, cotton, and pulses suffered considerable damage.

“Farmers in Junagadh, Amreli, and Gir Somnath reported significant fruit drop in mango orchards just before the peak harvest season, leading to substantial financial losses. In Kutch, standing crops such as bajra and sesame were flattened by the strong winds and hail,” he added.

Vegetable growers in Anand and Kheda districts also faced losses, with damage reported to tender crops including tomatoes, chilies, and leafy greens.

Furthermore, the Agriculture Department noted that waterlogging in low-lying fields and damage to topsoil have further compromised crop health in various regions of the state.