Gujarat's cloudburst has put El Niño back in the spotlight. But scientists are now looking at a far slower climate cycle that could have quietly amplified the monsoon. It is known as the Pacific Decadal Oscillation. What is it? WION Decodes.<h2>Gujarat's most intense rain spell</h2>The Western India state recently received more than 400 mm of rain in just a few hours. The immediate question everyone asked was: Is El Niño to blame?However, as researchers piece together what fueled one of the state's most intense rainfall episodes, another climate phenomenon has entered the conversation. It is called the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), a long-term ocean cycle that can quietly shape weather patterns for decades.Unlike El Niño or La Niña, which dominate headlines every few years, the PDO rarely makes the news. Yet scientists say its current negative phase may have created conditions that allowed the Indian monsoon to become unusually vigorous over western India. So what exactly is the PDO, and could it have played a role in Gujarat floods?Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/assam-flood-deaths-rise-to-61-80-000-still-stranded-without-relief-1784938900978">Assam flood deaths rise to 61; 80,000 still stranded without relief</a><h2>What is the Pacific Decadal Oscillation?</h2>Think of the PDO as El Niño's slower, longer-lived version. It is a climate pattern driven by changes in sea surface temperatures and atmospheric circulation across the North Pacific Ocean. Instead of flipping every year or two, the PDO remains in one phase for 20 to 30 years, shaping the background climate over entire decades.The PDO has two phases:- Positive PDO: Warmer-than-normal waters develop along the eastern Pacific near North America, while the central North Pacific becomes cooler. - Negative PDO: In this, the pattern reverses, with cooler eastern Pacific waters and warmer conditions farther west.These shifts influence jet streams, storm tracks, wind circulation and moisture transport far beyond the Pacific.Isn't this just El Niño by another name?While it seems similar to El Niño, it's different. Both involve the Pacific Ocean, but they operate on different time scales and in different regions.El Niño and La Niña are part of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and develop in the equatorial Pacific, typically lasting 9 to 18 months.The PDO, by contrast, occurs mainly in the North Pacific and can remain in one phase for two or even three decades. Rather than replacing El Niño or La Niña, the PDO can amplify or weaken their effects.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gujarat-flood-crisis-22-000-people-relocated-1-200-rescued-after-record-rainfall-in-south-gujarat-1784884327060/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/gujarat-flood-crisis-22-000-people-relocated-1-200-rescued-after-record-rainfall-in-south-gujarat-1784884327060/embed</a><h2>So how could the PDO have influenced Gujarat's rainfall?</h2>Scientists caution that the PDO did not directly cause Gujarat's extreme rainfall. Instead, it may have acted like turning up the moisture supply before the storm began.Research suggests that a negative PDO creates atmospheric conditions that can strengthen the Indian summer monsoon by influencing tropical wind circulation and the Walker circulation.One consequence is stronger moisture transport from the Arabian Sea into western India. That means when active monsoon winds, low-pressure systems and favourable upper-level winds arrive, there is simply more moisture available to produce intense rainfall.Studies have also linked negative PDO phases with above-normal monsoon rainfall across parts of west-central India, including Gujarat, although researchers stress this relationship emerges over long climate records rather than explaining individual storms.If La Niña-like conditions are also present, the two can reinforce each other, making the monsoon even more active.<h2>Why didn't forecasts focus on the PDO?</h2>Because the PDO is not designed for short-term weather forecasting. Weather agencies such as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and NOAA rely primarily on ENSO, the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO), sea surface temperatures and evolving monsoon systems because these have a more immediate influence on seasonal rainfall.The PDO behaves differently. Its influence is gradual, indirect and often intertwined with other climate drivers, making it difficult to isolate in operational forecasts.That is why scientists often examine its role after an extreme weather event through attribution studies rather than using it as a primary forecasting tool.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shame-on-a-country-that-sonam-wangchuk-slams-haters-rejects-deal-claims-after-ending-26-day-fast-1784942784502">'Shame on a country that...': Sonam Wangchuk slams haters after ending fast</a><h2>Does Gujarat's flood mean forecasting models need to change?</h2>Not necessarily; researchers have emphasised that no single climate pattern explains extreme rainfall. They say that Gujarat's heavy rains were likely produced by a combination of active southwest monsoon conditions, strong Arabian Sea moisture, low-pressure systems, local atmospheric instability, large-scale climate drivers such as ENSO, the IOD and the MJO, and a potentially favourable background created by the negative PDO.Rather than replacing existing forecasting methods, many climate scientists argue that better ocean observations, higher-resolution models and improved representation of long-term oscillations such as the PDO, IOD and Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) could improve seasonal forecasting. &nbsp;

Could a little-known Pacific climate cycle have quietly amplified Gujarat's devastating rainfall? WION Decodes what the Pacific Decadal Oscillation is, how it differs from El Niño, and why scientists believe it may have strengthened this year's monsoon.

Gujarat's cloudburst has put El Niño back in the spotlight. But scientists are now looking at a far slower climate cycle that could have quietly amplified the monsoon. It is known as the Pacific Decadal Oscillation. What is it? WION Decodes. Gujarat's most intense rain spell The Western India state recently received more than 400 mm of rain in just a few hours. The immediate question everyone asked was: Is El Niño to blame? However, as researchers piece together what fueled one of the state's most intense rainfall episodes, another climate phenomenon has entered the conversation. It is called the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), a long-term ocean cycle that can quietly shape weather patterns for decades. Unlike El Niño or La Niña, which dominate headlines every few years, the PDO rarely makes the news. Yet scientists say its current negative phase may have created conditions that allowed the Indian monsoon to become unusually vigorous over western India. So what exactly is the PDO, and could it have played a role in Gujarat floods? Also read | Assam flood deaths rise to 61; 80,000 still stranded without relief What is the Pacific Decadal Oscillation? Think of the PDO as El Niño's slower, longer-lived version. It is a climate pattern driven by changes in sea surface temperatures and atmospheric circulation across the North Pacific Ocean. Instead of flipping every year or two, the PDO remains in one phase for 20 to 30 years, shaping the background climate over entire decades. The PDO has two phases: - Positive PDO: Warmer-than-normal waters develop along the eastern Pacific near North America, while the central North Pacific becomes cooler. - Negative PDO: In this, the pattern reverses, with cooler eastern Pacific waters and warmer conditions farther west. These shifts influence jet streams, storm tracks, wind circulation and moisture transport far beyond the Pacific. Isn't this just El Niño by another name? While it seems similar to El Niño, it's different. Both involve the Pacific Ocean, but they operate on different time scales and in different regions. El Niño and La Niña are part of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and develop in the equatorial Pacific, typically lasting 9 to 18 months. The PDO, by contrast, occurs mainly in the North Pacific and can remain in one phase for two or even three decades. Rather than replacing El Niño or La Niña, the PDO can amplify or weaken their effects. https://www.wionews.com/videos/gujarat-flood-crisis-22-000-people-relocated-1-200-rescued-after-record-rainfall-in-south-gujarat-1784884327060/embed So how could the PDO have influenced Gujarat's rainfall? Scientists caution that the PDO did not directly cause Gujarat's extreme rainfall. Instead, it may have acted like turning up the moisture supply before the storm began. Research suggests that a negative PDO creates atmospheric conditions that can strengthen the Indian summer monsoon by influencing tropical wind circulation and the Walker circulation. One consequence is stronger moisture transport from the Arabian Sea into western India. That means when active monsoon winds, low-pressure systems and favourable upper-level winds arrive, there is simply more moisture available to produce intense rainfall. Studies have also linked negative PDO phases with above-normal monsoon rainfall across parts of west-central India, including Gujarat, although researchers stress this relationship emerges over long climate records rather than explaining individual storms. If La Niña-like conditions are also present, the two can reinforce each other, making the monsoon even more active. Why didn't forecasts focus on the PDO? Because the PDO is not designed for short-term weather forecasting. Weather agencies such as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and NOAA rely primarily on ENSO, the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO), sea surface temperatures and evolving monsoon systems because these have a more immediate influence on seasonal rainfall. The PDO behaves differently. Its influence is gradual, indirect and often intertwined with other climate drivers, making it difficult to isolate in operational forecasts. That is why scientists often examine its role after an extreme weather event through attribution studies rather than using it as a primary forecasting tool. Also read | 'Shame on a country that...': Sonam Wangchuk slams haters after ending fast Does Gujarat's flood mean forecasting models need to change? Not necessarily; researchers have emphasised that no single climate pattern explains extreme rainfall. They say that Gujarat's heavy rains were likely produced by a combination of active southwest monsoon conditions, strong Arabian Sea moisture, low-pressure systems, local atmospheric instability, large-scale climate drivers such as ENSO, the IOD and the MJO, and a potentially favourable background created by the negative PDO. Rather than replacing existing forecasting methods, many climate scientists argue that better ocean observations, higher-resolution models and improved representation of long-term oscillations such as the PDO, IOD and Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) could improve seasonal forecasting.

Could a little-known Pacific climate cycle have quietly amplified Gujarat's devastating rainfall? WION Decodes what the Pacific Decadal Oscillation is, how it differs from El Niño, and why scientists believe it may have strengthened this year's monsoon.

Did scientists miss the real reason behind Gujarat's record rain? Meet the Pacific Decadal Oscillation | WION Decodes

More heavy rainfall was reported in the Saurashtra-Kachchh region of Gujarat on Friday (Aug 30) as the Indian state braces for Cyclone Asna. A deep depression over Gujarat will intensify into the cyclone and is expected to cross the Arabian coast later in the day.

More heavy rainfall was reported in the Saurashtra-Kachchh region of Gujarat on Friday (Aug 30) as the Indian state braces for Cyclone Asna. A deep depression over Gujarat will intensify into the cyclone and is expected to cross the Arabian coast later in the day. The deep depression has already caused heavy rainfall in the state over the last three days. On Thursday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a heavy rainfall warning for a few districts in Gujarat. Speaking to the news agency ANI, IMD scientist Ramashray Yadav said that the heavy rainfall warning had been issued for Jamnagar, Dwarka, Morbi, and Kutch districts. "The deep depression lies 60 km (kilometres) northwest of Bhuj, 80 km northeast of Naliya. It is moving at the speed of 3 km/hr. Given this system, Saurashtra and Kutch are likely to receive extremely heavy rainfall," Yadav said. "In the last 24 hours, 30 cm of rain was recorded in Kutch and 29 cm in Dwarka. From June 1 this year, the whole of Gujarat has received 852 mm rain against the normal 577 mm rain...," he added. Army deployed for rescue operations Six columns of the Indian Army were conducting rescue operations in the worst-affected areas as the flood-like situation continued in parts of Gujarat due to incessant rainfall. Also read | Gujarat rainfall: Several incidents of crocodiles entering residential areas reported in Vadodara In a statement, the army said on Thursday, "In response to the severe flooding in multiple districts, the Indian Army has swiftly mobilised its resources to support the ongoing relief efforts." "Following a request from the Gujarat state government, six columns of the Indian Army are undertaking rescue operations to the worst-affected areas to provide immediate Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)," it added. CM Patel reviews flood preparedness Also on Thursday, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel arrived at the Gandhinagar State Emergency Operation Center to review the state's flood preparedness. Chief Minister Patel issued immediate instructions to evacuate areas as necessary to safeguard residents from the impending calamity. (With inputs from agencies)

Gujarat sees more heavy rainfall, braces for Cyclone Asna

The Indian state of Gujarat is facing heavy rainfall which has led&nbsp;to the death of 28 people due to waterlogging and a flood-like situation.&nbsp;

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had previously issued a red alert for Thursday. It has also indicated that a cyclonic storm will develop off the coast of Gujarat on August 30, potentially leading to more heavy rainfall, currently lingering over Saurashtra and Kutch.

The IMD&nbsp;has also noted that the deep depression has remained stationary for more than six hours.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gujarat-rains-several-incidents-of-crocodiles-entering-residential-areas-reported-in-vadodara-754305">Gujarat rains: Several incidents of crocodiles entering residential areas reported in Vadodara</a>

“To move W-SW and emerge into the northeast Arabian Sea by the morning of August 30. While moving W-SW over the northeast Arabian Sea away from the Indian coast, there is a possibility of its temporary and marginal intensification over the northeast Arabian Sea on August 30,” the weather department stated.&nbsp;

According to Rushikesh Patel, the health minister of Gujarat, over 5000 people have been&nbsp;rehabilitated. As per the State Relief Commissioner Alok Pandey, around 40,000 people have been evacuated from the flood-affected areas.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/man-devastated-after-waterlogging-damages-three-of-his-cars-including-rs-5mn-audi-754281">Man devastated after waterlogging damages three of his cars, including Rs 5 million Audi</a>

Six army contingents are helping out the 14&nbsp;teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and 22 teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) in rescue operations across&nbsp;the state. The NDRF has already rescued over 95 people in the last two days.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Devbhumi Dwarka: NDRF rescued 95 people as flood-like situation continues in parts of Gujarat due to incessant rainfall. 
 
(Video source - NDRF) <a href="https://t.co/VAlg3mIg0k">pic.twitter.com/VAlg3mIg0k</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1828843168428896355?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
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According to the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), Gujarat has experienced 105 per cent&nbsp;of its average annual rainfall in the last few days.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a conversation over a call with the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendra Patel.

The Gujarat CM took to X (formerly Twitter) and said PM&nbsp;Modi offered guidance and extended his full support for the rescue operation in the state.&nbsp;

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Hon'ble PM Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> speaks to CM Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/Bhupendrapbjp?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Bhupendrapbjp</a> on the rain &amp; flood situation in the State, especially in Vadodara. Hon'ble PM assures all possible assistance and support in the ongoing rescue and relief operation from the Centre.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SafeGujarat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SafeGujarat</a> <a href="https://t.co/3tMtr8hRYR">https://t.co/3tMtr8hRYR</a>
— CMO Gujarat (@CMOGuj) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMOGuj/status/1829012003731509476?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Several districts in the Saurashtra region, including Jamnagar, Porbandar, Devbhoomi Dwarka, and Rajkot, experienced rainfall ranging from 50mm to 200mm on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Bhanvad taluka recorded the highest rainfall in the state, with 185 mm of rainfall.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian state of Gujarat is facing heavy rainfall which has led to the death of 28 people due to waterlogging and a flood-like situation. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had previously issued a red alert for Thursday.

The Indian state of Gujarat is facing heavy rainfall which has led to the death of 28 people due to waterlogging and a flood-like situation. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had previously issued a red alert for Thursday. It has also indicated that a cyclonic storm will develop off the coast of Gujarat on August 30, potentially leading to more heavy rainfall, currently lingering over Saurashtra and Kutch. The IMD has also noted that the deep depression has remained stationary for more than six hours. Also Read | Gujarat rains: Several incidents of crocodiles entering residential areas reported in Vadodara “To move W-SW and emerge into the northeast Arabian Sea by the morning of August 30. While moving W-SW over the northeast Arabian Sea away from the Indian coast, there is a possibility of its temporary and marginal intensification over the northeast Arabian Sea on August 30,” the weather department stated. According to Rushikesh Patel, the health minister of Gujarat, over 5000 people have been rehabilitated. As per the State Relief Commissioner Alok Pandey, around 40,000 people have been evacuated from the flood-affected areas. Also Read | Man devastated after waterlogging damages three of his cars, including Rs 5 million Audi Six army contingents are helping out the 14 teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and 22 teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) in rescue operations across the state. The NDRF has already rescued over 95 people in the last two days. #WATCH | Devbhumi Dwarka: NDRF rescued 95 people as flood-like situation continues in parts of Gujarat due to incessant rainfall. (Video source - NDRF) pic.twitter.com/VAlg3mIg0k — ANI (@ANI) August 28, 2024 × According to the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), Gujarat has experienced 105 per cent of its average annual rainfall in the last few days. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a conversation over a call with the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendra Patel. The Gujarat CM took to X (formerly Twitter) and said PM Modi offered guidance and extended his full support for the rescue operation in the state. Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi speaks to CM Shri @Bhupendrapbjp on the rain & flood situation in the State, especially in Vadodara. Hon'ble PM assures all possible assistance and support in the ongoing rescue and relief operation from the Centre.#SafeGujarat https://t.co/3tMtr8hRYR — CMO Gujarat (@CMOGuj) August 29, 2024 × Several districts in the Saurashtra region, including Jamnagar, Porbandar, Devbhoomi Dwarka, and Rajkot, experienced rainfall ranging from 50mm to 200mm on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Bhanvad taluka recorded the highest rainfall in the state, with 185 mm of rainfall. (With inputs from agencies)

Gujarat rains: Death toll rises to 28, IMD predicts cyclonic storm on August 30

As many as 24 people have been killed in lightning strikes since Sunday (Nov 26) in India’s western Gujarat state.

Gujarat has been witnessing intense thunderstorms and hailstorms, apart from heavy rain, with some regions receiving up to 144mm (5.7 inches) of rain in the 24 hours ending Monday morning, Reuters news agency reported quoting state government data.

The heavy rain has destroyed crops in at least 200 places, left more than 25 injured, and at least 70 animals dead.

The state officials have attributed at least 18 of the 24 deaths to lightning strikes.

<h2>Amit Shah condoles deaths&nbsp;</h2>

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, whose home state is Gujarat, condoled the deaths&nbsp;in a post on X and said the local administration was engaged in relief work.

“I am deeply saddened by the news of the death of many people due to bad weather and lightning in various cities of Gujarat. I express my deepest condolences for the irreparable loss to those who lost their loved ones in this tragedy. The local administration is engaged in relief work, praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.”&nbsp;

Gujarat’s agricultural minister Raghavji Patel on Monday (Nov 27) said that they are assessing the damage caused by unseasonal rains and added that&nbsp;compensation would be provided once the survey to assess the damage to crops is out.

<h2>More rainfall expected&nbsp;</h2>

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel is currently on an official visit to Japan with a high-level delegation to attract foreign investment in the state.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast rainfall to continue in parts of the state on Monday.

IMD’s Ahmedabad unit chief Manorama Mohanty told BBC that the collision of three weather systems over Gujarat caused the lightning strikes.

"These are the easterly winds flowing from the Arabian Sea, the Western Disturbance over the Western Himalayas and the Cyclonic Circulation over South Gujarat," Mohanty told BBC Gujarati.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-woman-bites-off-husbands-ear-during-a-verbal-fight-fir-registered-663277">India: Delhi woman bites off husband's ear during verbal fight</a>

Gujarat is not unfamiliar with rain-related calamities. In August 2020, 14 people died in the state over just two days in various incidents related to heavy rains and flooding.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-air-quality-again-falls-to-severe-category-after-slight-improvement-rains-likely-to-bring-relief-663224">India weather: Delhi air quality falls to 'severe' category after slightly improving; rains may bring relief</a>

A year before, in August 2019, 31 people died in the state in rain-related incidents.

(With inputs from agencies)

As many as 24 people have been killed in lightning strikes since Sunday (Nov 26) in India’s western Gujarat state. Gujarat has been witnessing intense thunderstorms and hailstorms, apart from heavy rain, with some regions receiving up to 144mm (5.

As many as 24 people have been killed in lightning strikes since Sunday (Nov 26) in India’s western Gujarat state. Gujarat has been witnessing intense thunderstorms and hailstorms, apart from heavy rain, with some regions receiving up to 144mm (5.7 inches) of rain in the 24 hours ending Monday morning, Reuters news agency reported quoting state government data. The heavy rain has destroyed crops in at least 200 places, left more than 25 injured, and at least 70 animals dead. The state officials have attributed at least 18 of the 24 deaths to lightning strikes. Amit Shah condoles deaths Union Home Minister Amit Shah, whose home state is Gujarat, condoled the deaths in a post on X and said the local administration was engaged in relief work. “I am deeply saddened by the news of the death of many people due to bad weather and lightning in various cities of Gujarat. I express my deepest condolences for the irreparable loss to those who lost their loved ones in this tragedy. The local administration is engaged in relief work, praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.” Gujarat’s agricultural minister Raghavji Patel on Monday (Nov 27) said that they are assessing the damage caused by unseasonal rains and added that compensation would be provided once the survey to assess the damage to crops is out. More rainfall expected Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel is currently on an official visit to Japan with a high-level delegation to attract foreign investment in the state. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast rainfall to continue in parts of the state on Monday. IMD’s Ahmedabad unit chief Manorama Mohanty told BBC that the collision of three weather systems over Gujarat caused the lightning strikes. "These are the easterly winds flowing from the Arabian Sea, the Western Disturbance over the Western Himalayas and the Cyclonic Circulation over South Gujarat," Mohanty told BBC Gujarati. Also read | India: Delhi woman bites off husband's ear during verbal fight Gujarat is not unfamiliar with rain-related calamities. In August 2020, 14 people died in the state over just two days in various incidents related to heavy rains and flooding. Also read | India weather: Delhi air quality falls to 'severe' category after slightly improving; rains may bring relief A year before, in August 2019, 31 people died in the state in rain-related incidents. (With inputs from agencies)

24 killed in two days as thunderstorm, rain batter India’s Gujarat

Eight people were killed in lightning strikes in Gujarat's Mehsana, Dahod, Sabarkantha, Tapi, Botad, Amreli and Ahmedabad as the west Indian state has been hit by unseasonal rainfall.

Police said a 22-year-old biker died in Botad taluka after being struck by lightning, while a 29-year-old man died after a tree fell on an autorickshaw in Mehsana district, PTI reported.

Two farmers died in Tapi district, and one each in Sabarkantha, Ahmedabad, Mehsana, and Dahod districts in lightning strikes that accompanied the rains, the police said, adding that lightning strikes killed cattle and sheep in some places as well.&nbsp;

Gujarat received widespread unseasonal rain accompanied by thunderstorms on Sunday. Citing data from the State Emergency Operation Centre, PTI reported that 220 of 251 talukas of Gujarat received up to 50 mm of rainfall in 10 hours since 6 am. Ahmedabad received 15 mm of rainfall for two hours in the morning.

Earlier on Sunday, Manorama Mohanty, the director of the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) centre in Ahmedabad, said the rain forecast was only for Sunday.

"It will abate by tomorrow and remain concentrated in some parts of south Gujarat and Saurashtra districts," Mohanty told reporters.

Earlier, the IMD said that rain was being caused due to a cyclonic circulation lying over the northeast Arabian Sea and adjoining Saurashtra and Kutch regions.

The weather bureau added that apart from light rainfall forecast for Monday in some parts of south Gujarat and Saurashtra districts, the state would experience dry weather from Tuesday.

(With inputs from agencies)

Eight people were killed in lightning strikes in Gujarat's Mehsana, Dahod, Sabarkantha, Tapi, Botad, Amreli and Ahmedabad as the west Indian state has been hit by unseasonal rainfall.

Eight people were killed in lightning strikes in Gujarat's Mehsana, Dahod, Sabarkantha, Tapi, Botad, Amreli and Ahmedabad as the west Indian state has been hit by unseasonal rainfall. Police said a 22-year-old biker died in Botad taluka after being struck by lightning, while a 29-year-old man died after a tree fell on an autorickshaw in Mehsana district, PTI reported. Two farmers died in Tapi district, and one each in Sabarkantha, Ahmedabad, Mehsana, and Dahod districts in lightning strikes that accompanied the rains, the police said, adding that lightning strikes killed cattle and sheep in some places as well. Gujarat received widespread unseasonal rain accompanied by thunderstorms on Sunday. Citing data from the State Emergency Operation Centre, PTI reported that 220 of 251 talukas of Gujarat received up to 50 mm of rainfall in 10 hours since 6 am. Ahmedabad received 15 mm of rainfall for two hours in the morning. Earlier on Sunday, Manorama Mohanty, the director of the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) centre in Ahmedabad, said the rain forecast was only for Sunday. "It will abate by tomorrow and remain concentrated in some parts of south Gujarat and Saurashtra districts," Mohanty told reporters. Earlier, the IMD said that rain was being caused due to a cyclonic circulation lying over the northeast Arabian Sea and adjoining Saurashtra and Kutch regions. The weather bureau added that apart from light rainfall forecast for Monday in some parts of south Gujarat and Saurashtra districts, the state would experience dry weather from Tuesday. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Eight killed in lightning strikes as unseasonal rainfall hits Gujarat