Deadly Lightning and Hailstorms Ravage Western India, Claiming 24 Lives

At least 24 people have been killed by lightning strikes, rain, and hailstorms in western Gujarat state, India. The storms, which are unusual during winter, caused damage to houses and killed livestock. Flash floods and lightning strikes are a common occurrence in India, with rising global temperatures contributing to an increase in extreme weather events. The collision of three weather systems over Gujarat caused the lightning strikes. India recorded over 18 million lightning strikes between April 2020 and March 2021, a 34% rise compared to the previous year.