Lightning claims 2 lives in Anand, rains lash most parts of Gujarat

Ahmedabad, July 5 (UNI) Two persons died in Anand district in rain-related incidents today with heavy rains lashing most parts of Gujarat since last night.

One of the deceased has been identified as Chandrakant Wankar who was struck by ligthtning at Pithai village, while another unidentified person was electrocuted. A woman and her daughter received burn injuries after being struck by lightning at Sokhada village in Gondal taluka of Anand district and both were admitted to the Civil Hospital.

Meanwhile, Navsari district authorities evacuated people from the banks of the Poonam River which was flowing near the danger mark.

Two other major rivers in south Gujarat -- Ambika and Kaveri, are also in spate. Tapti River in Surat is flowing below the danger mark but the district administration has taken precautionary steps.

Valsad district authorities had declared a school holiday after several parts of the district were submerged following heavy rains.

According to reports reaching here from other parts of the state, normal life was thrown out of gear in Vadodara, Rajkot, Ahmedabad, Bhavnagar, Surendranagar and other towns, due to waterlogging in several low lying areas.

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