Heavy Rain Storm Kills 14 People In Gujarat India

JAKARTA - A total of 14 people were killed and 16 injured in the past two days when heavy rains ahead of the rainy season hit the western Indian state of Gujarat.

Television footage showed fallen trees and damaged plants as lightning and thunderstorms hit several districts.

Rain that did not match the season in most states was caused by cyclone circulation in neighboring Pakistan and India's Rajasthan state, according to India's Meteorological Agency.

Reported by Reuters on Tuesday, May 6, weather forecasters predict more rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds in Gujarat as of Thursday.

Local officials told Reuters 14 people were killed and 16 injured so far.

"We are waiting for reports of crop damage," said Anju Sharma, secretary of the state's agricultural department. Gujarat is the main producer of cotton, jinten, and rice.

"The district government will assess the loss and send their report to us today," the official said.

Last month, heavy rains that did not match the season in eastern and central India and parts of Nepal killed more than 100 people.