Unseasonal rains, accompanied by strong winds and dust storms, that lashed Gujarat late on Monday evening has left a trail of devastation. At least 14 people have lost lives in different rain related incidents and the farmers have taken a hit with widespread damage being reported to crops and mangoes.
Deaths have been reported from, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Kheda, Dahod and Aravalli.
The unseasonal rain affected more than 54 talukas spread across 12 districts in the state.
The IMD has forecast rainfall in Ahmedabad on Tuesday as well.
The sudden change in weather is attributed to an upper cyclonic circulation over South Pakistan and adjoining southwest Rajasthan. The IMD said that the upper air cyclonic circulation over South Pakistan and adjoining southwest Rajasthan extending up to 15 km above the mean sea level persists.
The unseasonal weather during peak summer season is expected to continue till May 12 in the state. Though the temperatures have dipped by a couple of degree celsius, bringing much needed relief from scorching heat, the details of the loss to lives, crops and properties continue to unfold.
Amit Chavda, opposition leader in the state assembly, alleged that the state government did not plan in advance despite prediction. He demanded Rs. 10 lakh for the next of kin of the decased and a survey of the loss to crops and fruits.
The Congress leader demanded that the state government should restart the crop insurance policy, which is stopped since 2020.
Sagar Rabari, Aam Aadmi Party’s Gujarat’s leader, feared that mangoes and banana would suffer more damage when the rain hits the state on Wednesday.
Weather expert Paresh Goswami has also predicted heavy rainfall in various parts of the state till Thursday. He said that several parts of Gujarat could receive 2 inch to 4 inch rainfall.
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