Unseasonal rain in Kutch, thunderstorm in Ahmedabad, disrupts normal life across parts of Gujarat

Violent winds, unseasonal rain and hailstorms swept across Gujarat on Thursday, leaving a trail of destruction as crops were flattened, infrastructure damaged and normal life disrupted in several districts. 

As per the IMD report, the adverse weather affected regions, including Kutch, Ahmedabad, Morbi and Rajkot, after 4 pm, with reports of crop losses and structural damage emerging from multiple areas.

In Kutch, particularly the Vagad and western regions, heavy winds and rain, along with hailstorms, created near-storm-like conditions. A mobile tower reportedly collapsed in Kandla, while timber stock at Kandla Port suffered extensive damage. Farmers in Nakhatrana, Lakhpat and Abdasa reported severe losses to crops such as fennel, isabgul, castor and wheat.

In Ahmedabad, strong winds were more prominent than rainfall. Dust storms swept through several parts of the city, and incidents of trees being uprooted were reported in areas including Sindhubhavan Road. Hoardings and signboards were also damaged, with civic teams from the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation engaged in clearing operations.

Heavy winds were also reported in Gondal, Jetpur, Dhoraji and Upleta in Rajkot district, where tree-fall incidents were recorded. Rainfall of around one inch was estimated in parts of the district.

Jamnagar witnessed intense showers, with Lalpur recording 16 mm of rain within a short span, while surrounding rural areas received nearly an inch of rainfall in about 30 minutes. Standing crops such as cumin, garlic, fenugreek and gram were damaged, raising concerns among farmers.

Data showed that the highest rainfall—0.79 inches—was recorded in Okhamandal taluka of Devbhoomi Dwarka, followed by Lalpur in Jamnagar (0.63 inches) and Mundra in Kutch (0.59 inches). Other parts of Kutch, including Bhuj, Nakhatrana, Abdasa and Lakhpat, also recorded moderate rainfall.

In Morbi district, strong winds disrupted operations at Navlakhi port, reducing visibility and scattering coal stock. A 400 kV electricity tower collapsed near Raisangpar in Maliya Miyana, leading to power disruptions, while salt production was adversely affected in Varsamedi.

Rural areas of Banaskantha, including Thara and Vada, also experienced rainfall, raising fears of damage to potato and tobacco crops. Strong winds reportedly damaged houses in some villages.

The IMD has issued a red alert for several districts, including Devbhoomi Dwarka, Porbandar, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Diu, Kutch, Amreli and Patan, warning of wind speeds ranging from 62 to 87 kmph along with rain, thunderstorms and possible hail. An orange alert has been issued for districts including Morbi, Surendranagar, Botad, Bhavnagar, Banaskantha, Sabarkantha, Mehsana, Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Aravalli and Mahisagar, while a yellow alert remains in place for parts of central and south Gujarat.

Authorities have advised residents to remain cautious as adverse weather conditions are expected to persist.