Thunderstorms wreak havoc across region

Rajkot: Unseasonal rain lashed Saurashtra and Kutch on Thursday, accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms. The sudden change in the weather caught many residents off guard after days of scorching heat.In Rajkot, Jamnagar, Morbi, Porbandar and Junagadh, as well as parts of Kutch, people who had recently switched on air conditioners were surprised by hailstorms. Many described the conditions as being like a mini cyclone. In Rajkot, rain began shortly after 3pm and quickly caused waterlogging on major roads, including Yagnik Road, Kalawad Road, Raiya Road and Madhapar. Hailstones fell at Raiya Road and near the old airport road, with videos widely circulated on social media. Many trees were uprooted across the city, damaging vehicles and blocking roads. Civic teams were deployed to clear obstacles. Videos shared online showed solar panels being ripped off high-rise buildings in the Punitnagar and Kothariya areas. Trees were uprooted in Punitnagar, Kalawad Road and Amin Marg. Rural areas such as Paddhadhri, Jivapar, Visaman, Jetpur and Dhoraji received rain as well. Market yards advised farmers not to bring in produce for a few days due to the risk of damage. In Jetpur and Jamnagar, electricity poles were damaged, resulting in power outages. Devbhumi Dwarka district saw heavy rain and strong winds in Kalyanpur, Raval, Khambhaliya and Salaya. In Jamnagar, dust storms preceded the rain in many places. Rain was also reported in Porbandar, Junagadh and across Kutch. In Kutch, Rapar, Mundra, Kandla and Bhuj, have been receiving rain since Wednesday night, with the rann areas witnessing dust storms. Junagadh district recorded heavy rain in Bhesan, Vanthli and Keshod, with some villages in Bhesan reporting hailstorms. Heavy rain was also reported in Amreli and Botad districts. The unseasonal weather has damaged crops, especially mangoes. This is the period when mangoes ripen on trees in areas such as Vanthli, Junagadh, Bhesan and Keshod. Strong winds and rain caused many half-ripe mangoes to fall, causing substantial losses to farmers. Other crops, including wheat, chickpea and cumin, have also been damaged.