Gujarat: Six killed, 2 injured in 3 districts ahead of Vayu landfall

According to Tapi district disaster management officials, the South Gujarat region has been witnessing high-speed winds and rain for couple of days due to the approaching cyclone Vayu.

Somnath beach has been shut for visitors for three days in the wake of cyclonic storm Vayu. (Javed Raja)

At least six people died and two were injured in rain-related incidents in the state Tuesday, even as cyclone Vayu is set to make landfall on Gujarat coast Thursday afternoon. The southern region, along with other parts of Gujarat, started witnessing high-speed winds, lightning and rain since Tuesday. Four deaths were reported from Tapi and Dangs districts, and two from Narmada.

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According to Tapi district disaster management officials, the South Gujarat region has been witnessing high-speed winds and rain for couple of days due to the approaching cyclone Vayu.

Of the six deaths, five occured due to lightning, while a biker died after a tree fell on him. In South Gujarat, three deaths were reported from Tapi district and one in Dangs. The first death was reported from Khusalpura village of Vyara taluka in Tapi district where Nuriben Gamit (65), who was working on a farm, was struck by lightning, killing him on the spot.

Another death due to lightning was reported from Songadh taluka of Tapi district Tuesday. Maluben Kathud (45) was catching fish in a pond Tuesday, when lightning struck her. She sustained severe burns and died on the spot.

Aat Anaval village in Mahuva taluka of Tapi district, one Gulab Patel (57) was killed on the spot when a roadside tree fell on him, while he was returning home on his motorbike Tuesday evening.

Fishermen pull boats away from the seashore in Veralval on Wednesday. (Javed Raja)

In Dangs district’s Singhmara village in Ahwa taluka, Magan Vaghmare (45) died after being struck by lightning Tuesday. He was working in the fields Tuesday when it started raining, following which he took shelter under a tree. At that time lightning struck him. He was rushed to Ahwa hospital with severe burns and the doctors declared him brought dead.

In Narmada district, two persons were killed, while two others injured in Dediapada tehsil after being struck by lightning during rain on Tuesday. The deceased have been identified as Bungiben Vasava (50) of Navrang village and Madhav Vasava (22) of Panchumar village. The two injured are undergoing treatment at the local heath centres. A total of 18 mm rainfall was recorded in Dediapada on Tuesday night.

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Dediapada Mamlatdar A C Vasava confirmed the two deaths, saying unexpected rains lashed parts of Narmada district, along with lightning and thunderstorm with cyclone Vayu about to make landfall on Thursday. Tooftops of many kutcha houses in Tapi, Navsari and Dangs districts were blown away in the wind.

Kamal Saiyed

Kamal Saiyed is a senior Correspondent for The Indian Express, providing extensive, on-the-ground coverage from Surat and the broader South Gujarat region and the Union territories of Daman, Diu & Dadra Nagar Haveli. With a reporting career at the publication spanning back to 2007, he has established himself as a high-authority voice on the industrial, social, and political pulse of one of India’s fastest-growing urban hubs. Expertise Industrial & Economic Beat: Based in the "Diamond City," Saiyed offers expert reporting on the diamond and textile industries. His work tracks global market shifts (such as De Beers production changes), local trade policies, and the socio-economic challenges facing the millions of workers in Surat’s manufacturing hubs. Civic & Infrastructure Coverage: He consistently reports on urban development and public safety in Surat, including: Traffic & Urban Planning: Monitoring the city's 13-fold increase in traffic violations and the implementation of new municipal drives. Public Safety: Investigative reporting on infrastructure failures, fire safety NOC compliance in schools and commercial buildings, and Metro rail progress. Political Reporting: Tracking the shifting dynamics between the BJP, Congress, and AAP in South Gujarat and the neighboring Union Territories (Daman, Diu, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli). Crime beat: Armed with a good source network Saiyed has been able to bring out the human side of crime stories in his region ... Read More

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