Gandhinagar: Unseasonal rain accompanied by strong winds, dust storms and thunder activity hit several parts of Gujarat on Thursday, with Saurashtra and Kutch receiving the highest rainfall. Gusty winds caused damage to power infrastructure, trees and temporary structures in many districts. According to the State Emergency Operation Center, Gandhinagar, rainfall was recorded in as many as 36 talukas between 06:00 am and 06:00 pm on Thursday.

As per official data, the highest rainfall of 35 mm (1.38 inch) was recorded in Rajkot taluka of Rajkot district and Bhesan taluka of Junagadh district.

Bagasara in Amreli received 22 mm, Dhoraji in Rajkot received 20 mm, while Okhamandal in Devbhumi Dwarka also recorded 20 mm rainfall. Upleta (17 mm), Lodhika (16 mm), Mundra (16 mm), Lalpur (16 mm) and Kotda Sangani (12 mm) also received moderate showers.

Light to moderate rain was also recorded in Bhuj, Chotila, Jetpur, Kalavad, Vanthali, Dhrangadhra, Nakhatrana, Abdasa, Junagadh city, Jamjodhpur, Halvad, Jasdan, Kutiyana, Botad, Mandvi, Lakhtar, Maliya, Gondal and other talukas.

Saurashtra and Kutch regions were the worst affected by the sudden weather change. In Rajkot, the city was plunged into darkness as nearly 1.5 inches of rain fell within two hours, accompanied by hail and strong winds, bringing life to a standstill. Visibility dropped to near zero, forcing commuters to switch on headlights in the middle of the afternoon.

Damage reported across districts

A mobile tower collapsed in Kandla due to strong winds, and the incident was captured in a viral video. Dust storms reduced visibility to zero, disrupting port operations and affecting employees.

A 400 KV high-voltage electricity tower bent under strong winds in Maliya-Miyana. Several wedding mandaps and shamiyanas also collapsed, causing heavy losses to organisers.

Panic was reported at the popular Shivrajpur Beach when sudden gusty winds forced tourists to run for safety. No casualties were reported.

A 66 KV electric pole collapsed, and several trees were uprooted in residential areas, damaging parked vehicles.

Impact in Ahmedabad and North Gujarat

In Ahmedabad, strong winds reaching 30–40 km/h created massive dust clouds in the morning, followed by rain showers in the evening. The city reported at least 16 uprooted trees. In the Majur Gam area, a falling electric pole struck a rickshaw driver, who sustained injuries and was rushed for treatment.

In Mehsana and Patan, similar “mini-cyclone-like” conditions were reported. In Patan, electricity supply was temporarily cut as a precaution, leaving parts of the city in darkness. In Mehsana, a cricket box net and several residential hoardings were damaged due to strong winds.

Cause and forecast

Meteorologists attributed the sudden weather activity to a cyclonic circulation combined with a western disturbance active over the region.

The Meteorological Department has warned that heavy rain and hail may continue for the next few hours in Rajkot, Junagadh, Amreli and Bhavnagar, with wind speeds likely to reach 62 to 87 km/h.

Fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the sea for the next 24 hours.

Authorities said the situation is being closely monitored and citizens have been advised to remain indoors during strong winds and avoid standing near old trees, electric poles or unstable hoardings. DeshGujarat