Jobaaj Stories
Gujarat Battered by Deadly Unseasonal Storm
Gujarat experienced a devastating turn of events on Monday evening as unseasonal thunderstorms and dust storms swept across the state, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming the lives of at least 14 people. The intense weather, unusual for this time of year, brought heavy rainfall, powerful winds, and hail, causing significant damage and widespread disruption. This article details the impact of this devastating Gujarat storm and the forecast for the coming days.
The Storm's Fury
The sudden and violent storm hit various districts in Gujarat, leaving 14 people dead and 16 injured. The casualties were primarily due to lightning strikes, electrocution from downed power lines, and the collapse of trees, houses, and hoardings. The hardest-hit districts included Kheda, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Dahod, Aravalli, and Anand.
- Kheda district reported four deaths, with two caused by falling trees and two from building collapses.
- Vadodara saw three fatalities: two from electrocution and one from a collapsing hoarding.
- Ahmedabad reported two deaths; one from a lightning strike and the other from a collapsing hoarding.
- Dahod and Aravalli each reported two deaths caused by falling trees and lightning strikes, respectively.
- Anand district saw one death due to a collapsing wall.
The strong winds uprooted countless trees, toppled hoardings, and caused parts of houses to collapse. A fire, fueled by strong winds, destroyed more than a dozen huts in Limkheda, Dahod district. The widespread damage led to significant disruption across the affected areas.
The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) reported that unseasonal rains fell in 168 out of 253 talukas in the state within 24 hours. Kheda, Gandhinagar, Mehsana, and Vadodara districts experienced particularly heavy rainfall, receiving 25 to 40 mm.
IMD Forecast and Ongoing Threat
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for continued thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds (up to 50-60 kmph) across Gujarat for the next few days. Isolated areas of Banaskantha, Kutch, Sabarkantha, Aravalli, and Anand districts are predicted to receive heavy rainfall.
The unseasonal showers have led to a significant drop in daytime temperatures in some parts of the state, with a predicted fall of 3-5 degrees Celsius over the next few days. However, this temporary relief from the scorching summer heat will likely be short-lived.
Experts attribute this surge in summer thunderstorms to western disturbances, typically confined to northern India, now extending their influence to central India. This is altering moisture patterns in the Arabian Sea and could potentially delay the onset of the monsoon in Gujarat later this year.
Government Response and Preparedness
State and district administrations are on high alert, treating the IMD forecast as a crucial test of disaster preparedness. Emergency response teams have been deployed in many areas, and citizens are urged to stay indoors and avoid vulnerable areas until the storm system passes. A civil defence mock drill is scheduled, emphasizing the importance of preparedness in the face of such unpredictable weather events.
Conclusion
The unseasonal storm that ravaged Gujarat serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather patterns. The significant loss of life and widespread damage underscore the need for robust disaster preparedness and effective early warning systems. The IMD's continued warnings highlight the ongoing risk, urging caution and vigilance from residents across the state.
