Unseasonal thunderstorm leaves 14 dead in Gujarat, rain to continue in 29 districts for 5 days
Updated: May 6th, 2025
An unseasonal dust and thunderstorm accompanied by rain swept across Gujarat at the start of the week, killing 14 people and disrupting normal life in 104 talukas. The state is expected to see more rainfall over the next five days, with 29 districts, including Ahmedabad, placed on alert.
According to official reports, one person died due to lightning on Sunday, while 13 others lost their lives on Monday during the storm that brought strong winds, heavy rainfall, and widespread damage across several regions.
In Ahmedabad’s Viramgam, a local resident, Mangajibhai Thakor, was killed by a lightning strike on Sunday. Monday’s fatalities occurred amid chaotic conditions triggered by sudden thunderstorms and high-speed winds.
Names of the deceased:
The rainfall, ranging between 1 and 1.5 inches in various regions, was accompanied by winds reaching speeds of up to 80 km/h in Vadodara. Hailstorms were also reported in parts of Saurashtra and north Gujarat.
Rainfall and impact report (May 4–6)
| Sr No | District Name | Sum of Human injuries | Sum of livestock deaths | Sum of house damage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ahmedabad | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2 | Aravalli | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 3 | Anand | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 4 | Bharuch | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| 5 | Gandhinagar | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 6 | Dahod | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 7 | Narmada | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 8 | Panchmahal | 0 | 9 | 6 |
| 9 | Banaskantha | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| 10 | Mahisagar | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 11 | Mehsana | 0 | 7 | 0 |
| 12 | Vadodara | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 13 | Surendranagar | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 14 | 26 | 7 | |
Agricultural damage reported
Farmers have reported significant losses due to the storm. In several districts, unripe mangoes were knocked off trees, and standing crops like moong (green gram), choli (black-eyed beans), bajra (pearl millet), and fodder were damaged. Horticultural produce such as mango and papaya is also expected to be affected.
Ahmedabad rain on Monday
In Ahmedabad, heavy rain began after 11 pm on Monday, affecting areas such as Makarba, South Bopal, Maninagar, Motera, Shyamal, Prahlad Nagar, and Satellite. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation reported 75 incidents of tree falls, with 48 cleared by early Tuesday and work ongoing at 27 more locations. At least 15 vehicles were damaged by falling trees, and a large tree collapsed near Civil Hospital.
Hoardings were torn down by gusty winds in several locations, including on the Iconic Road near the airport. Roof sheets were blown off in parts of Kheda district, and a house wall was damaged by lightning in Bhavnagar.
Significant rainfall on May 6:
Sihor (Bhavnagar): 1.5 inches in 1 hour
Bhavnagar city: 1 inch in 2 hours
Manasa (Gandhinagar): 1 inch in 1 hour
Other affected areas: Nadiad, Kapadvanj, Vaso (Kheda), Vadodara, Diyodar and Bhabhar (Banaskantha), Sojitra (Anand), Dholka (Ahmedabad), Barwala (Botad), Mahemdavad (Kheda), Bayad (Aravalli), Chotila (Surendranagar)
Orange alert issued
May 6: Banaskantha, Patan, Mehsana, Sabarkantha, Aravalli, Panchmahal, Dahod, Mahisagar, Rajkot, Morbi, Kutch
May 7: Banaskantha, Patan, Mehsana, Sabarkantha, Aravalli, Dahod, Mahisagar, Rajkot, Morbi, Kutch
May 8: Banaskantha, Patan, Sabarkantha, Surendranagar, Kutch
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has advised residents and local authorities to stay alert and take necessary precautions as the unseasonal conditions are likely to persist.
