Unseasonal rains claim 4 lives in Gujarat

Bhavnagar, Gujarat, Nov 7 (UNI) Four persons were killed in different parts of Gujarat after being struck by lightning during the last 24 hours.

According to reports reaching here, a woman farm labourer, Vasantben Ravjibhai Koli (40) was killed while Aminaben Yunushbhai Ghanchi (30) was seriously injured after being struck by lightning at Mota Khutvada village in Mahuva taluka of Bhavnagar district.

A 25-year-old youth, Nareshbhai Valjibhai Ladumore, was also killed after being struck by lightning at Sardika village in Mahuva taluka.

Two persons were killed when lightning struck them in Hansod village of Ankleshwar. They had been working in their fields at that time. Several parts of the state witnessed hailstorms today.

Rains have also been reported from Banaskantha district in north Gujarat.

It is feared that the unseasonal rains could cause damage to crops like chilli, paddy and tobacco which are in harvesting stage.

Meteorological department director at Ahmedabad, J M Motwal, told UNI that the unseasonal rains today in some parts of Gujarat were due to ''western disturbances.'' The precipitation was coming from the westerly Caspian Sea side and its effect could be seen from Jammu and Kashmir to Mumbai and parts of Gujarat. The rains could persist for the next two to three days, he added.

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